Many vegetarians and vegans believe that they are not only improving their own health, but that they are also helping the world in general. What are the advantages and disadvantages of not eating meat? Do you agree that vegetarians and vegans are helping the world by their actions?

Lifestyle choices are varied, especially when it comes to eating. Those who refrain from consuming animal products believe that not only are they making healthier choices, but they are benefiting the world at large. While there are likely benefits and detriments to a vegan diet, I doubt this choice has much impact on the rest of the world. Firstly, those who do not eat fish and meat often abstain for moral or religious reasons. For some it is simply immoral to eat animals because they are living creatures. Others, such as practitioners of the Jain religion, believe that consuming or otherwise harming other living beings impedes the liberation of one’s soul. Thus a vegan can gain spiritual or moral comfort from this choice. On a more practical level, however, the health benefits of veganism are debatable. There are those who consider red meat high in cholesterol and therefore unhealthy. Others counter that animal products contain essential proteins and other nutrients that fruit and vegetables simply cannot match. Thus, in terms of one’s well-being, this choice is again a matter of personal preference and an attention to one’s dietary needs. Putting personal health aside, to suggest that veganism aids the world seems a bit of a stretch. Of course one can argue that eating less meat means less land, especially forested land, is wasted on grazing space to raise cattle. On the other hand, if humans did not kill animals, the latter might take over the land anyway. For instance, hunting is encouraged in some countries as a means of controlling animal populations, such as deer, that would otherwise grow and encroach on human habitations in search of food. In other words, killing animals serves the dual purpose of saving land for crops and feeding the world’s human population. Consequently, not eating meat products or fish would simply imply killing them as a form of pest control rather than a food supply. In conclusion, veganism, though a commendable lifestyle choice, should remain a personal one based on a person’s health condition. As far as its impact on the world, it is likely minimal, and could even be detrimental if it becomes too popular