As the debate heats up again towards Christmas about vegetarian diets versus a more natural diet including animal products, many people believe that a vegetarian diet based on highly processed foods is better for the environment and our health than a diet with fewer processed foods that includes animal products. But is this really true?
First, let’s look at the environmental aspect. Many believe that a vegetarian diet is better for the environment because it requires fewer resources to produce. However, the truth is that many vegetarian products on the market today are highly processed and require a lot of energy and resources to produce. For example, the production of vegetable oils such as canola oil and palm oil requires large amounts of water and land, and the intensive cultivation of these crops can have serious consequences for the environment, including deforestation and loss of biodiversity.
An example is how the cultivation of avocados and strawberries in southern Spain, which ensures that Danes can enjoy these foods all year round, can really disrupt the balance in the local ecosystem. Avocado plantations require a huge amount of water, and they take a large bite out of local water resources. This means that water levels in rivers and lakes fall, which can have serious consequences for wildlife and the ecosystem.
At the same time, avocado plantations use a lot of pesticides and fertilizers, which seep into the ground and pollute the local environment. This has a negative effect on both plants, animals, and people in the area. And if that wasn’t bad enough, there’s also the problem of deforestation to make room for more and more avocado trees. It destroys habitats for many different species and contributes to the loss of biodiversity.
When it comes to strawberry cultivation, it is also a major offender. The large amounts of chemicals used to keep pests away and increase yield pollute the soil and surrounding water. This can have serious consequences for both humans and animals living near these plantations.
On the other hand, a more natural diet with fewer processed foods and the inclusion of animal products can be more sustainable, especially if the meat comes from grass-fed animals that do not require large amounts of grain and soy for feeding. In addition, animal products such as milk and eggs can be an important source of nutrients such as protein, vitamins, and minerals that can be difficult to get enough of on a strict vegetarian diet.
When it comes to health, there are also many misconceptions about vegetarian diets. Many believe that a vegetarian diet is automatically healthier than a diet with animal products, but it largely depends on which foods you choose to eat. If you replace animal products with highly processed vegetarian alternatives like vegan sausages, nuggets, and ready meals, you may end up eating a diet high in added sugar, salt, and additives, which is not exactly healthy.
It is considered proven that the development of diabetes on a global scale has been influenced by an increase in the consumption of carbohydrate-rich foods. A diet high in added sugar, salt, and additives has been shown to have a direct correlation with the development of diabetes. When you replace animal products with highly processed vegetarian alternatives like vegan sausages, nuggets, and ready meals, you end up eating a diet that is harmful to our health. This change in eating habits has led to an increase in the incidence of diabetes globally, as these carbohydrate-rich and processed alternatives have a negative impact on our blood sugar levels and insulin resistance. It is therefore important to be aware of the composition of our diet and choose healthy and natural alternatives that can help prevent the development of diabetes and other lifestyle diseases.
On the other hand, a balanced diet based on natural, unprocessed foods such as fruit, vegetables, whole grains, lean meat, and dairy products can be much healthier because it contains lots of nutrients and fiber and is generally lower in added sugar and salt.
So what’s the conclusion? A vegetarian diet based on highly processed foods is probably not better for the environment and definitely not better for our health than a more natural diet with fewer processed foods and the inclusion of animal products. The most important thing is to choose foods that are sustainable and nutritious, whether they come from the plant kingdom or the animal world.
If you stick to the idea that it’s better to eat vegetarian and want to make an effort for the environment, then it’s a good idea to focus on eating locally grown organic products. By choosing products that can be grown locally, you can reduce the environmental burden of transport while supporting local farmers and producers.
It’s also a good idea to investigate which seasonal products are available in your local area. By eating seasonally, you can help reduce the need for greenhouse cultivation and heating, which in turn can reduce the environmental burden. It may not be exciting to live on Danish vegetables in winter, but unlike a diet consisting of exciting imported fruits and vegetables, the environmental burden is low.
So let’s abandon quick fixes and politically correct notions, and instead focus on eating a varied diet full of fresh, natural foods. Let’s set aside political correctness, which often does more harm than good. This approach is beneficial for both ourselves and the planet. And go ahead, enjoy your pork roast, duck, or turkey with a clear conscience, especially if it’s locally sourced organic.
