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Vegetarians Get More Bang for the Buck
Posted by Michelle Sherrow at 2:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
©2011 Jupiterimages Corporation
Two recent studies prove what most of us vegetarians already knew: vegetarian diets are cheaper and more nutritious than meat-based ones.
Two Oklahoma State University professors studying costs and benefits of vegetarian diets found that vegetarian foods cost less to both produce and consume than animal products. For example, the researchers determined that obtaining a gram of protein from the cheapest meat source studied (chicken flesh) costs more than triple the price of obtaining a gram of protein from the most expensive plant-based source studied (peanuts).
And it's only going to get costlier for carnivores. Cattle futures economists predict that beef prices will skyrocket to record highs in 2012. The U.S. Department of Agriculture concludes that the price of beef will rise more than any other major food group. Meatpackers, retailers, and restaurants all face higher costs, which—you guessed it—get passed on to the consumer.
Another study published in Food, Nutrition & Science and The Journal of the American Dietetic Association compared nutrient intakes of vegetarians and nonvegetarians. Researchers found that the vegetarian group had higher intakes of nutrients, including fiber, thiamin, riboflavin, folate, calcium, magnesium, iron, and vitamins A, C, and E, and that vegetarian diets in general were very healthy. The American Dietetic Association reports that vegetarians are less prone to heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity than meat-eaters are. So not only do vegetarians save animal’s lives, they also save at the register—and at the doctor's office too. We'll eat to that.
This post originally appeared on PETA.org
Posted to Money | Posted to Tags: budget, Michelle Sherrow, Money, vegan
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Dallas says...
August 12th, 2011, 6:48 pm
This is a great article which makes me wonder why I eat meat at all. The more I read on the horrific treatment of farm animals, antibiotic use, the devastation of the planet, and the health differences, the more I am convinced to pass the meat department. I hope more and more people will adopt a kinder attitude towards animals, the planet, their bodies, and their wallet.
Toyya says...
August 15th, 2011, 9:01 am
I love articles like this that reinforce what I am trying to accomplish in my life. Practicing a vegetarian lifestyle is a huge change for me, especially coming from a southern family that would be perfectly satisfied with eating a large plate of meat without any veggies at all.
I went to a family function this past weekend and all they had for me to eat was meat. I did eat a hotdog and thought I'd been craving meat, but I was happy to find that I hadn't truly wanted any meat at all. At one time, chili-laden hotdogs were a favorite of mine. Prior to that I'd gone 2 mos without eating any meat and I don't intend to eat anymore in the near future. I'd say "ever", but I'm taking it day by day. =)
Nia says...
August 26th, 2011, 6:52 am
Well, there goes the whole "Vegetarian diets leave you at risk for deficiency" jive. Thanks PETA! Can anyone forward this over to Trevor Justice at the Vegetarian Health Institute? They seem to believe that vegetarians need guidance in not falling into malnutrition. Though, very noble of them, the deficiency risks in "omnivores" deserve more attention and/or guidance and would be better served if you ask me.
Roxy Patt says...
August 26th, 2011, 7:02 am
Well, it's about the same as quit smoking.If you can not be persuaded about the health aspect, you might consider the financial aspect. One thing is sure: I know you like meat, but you do not like medical bills. So for your own good, both for health and budget, live better!