The “These vegetarians are wrong about meat” letter published by the Journal (April 25) is wrong on facts.’
The author incorrectly summarizes the 2015 research from Carnegie Mellon University. Either he did not understand the research or simply parroted biased or attention-seeking media reports. The researchers themselves have stated, “Some of the news media has erroneously extrapolated from our findings and claimed that vegetarianism is damaging to the environment.” The researchers compared “the current U.S. diet to the USDA recommended diet, which includes meats,” and largely substitutes seafood for red meat.
The USDA recommended this diet based on health, not environmental impact. If one is to consume animal protein, seafood is known as the far healthier choice. But it has a greater environmental impact – especially in this part of the country where the red meat may be local and the seafood obviously isn’t.
However, importantly, vegetarians and vegans eat no seafood. Dairy, also eaten by meat-eaters, is resource-intensive, but vegans eat no dairy.
As for the myth that one has to eat red meat to be healthy, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has concluded that a vegetarian or vegan diet could provide all the nutritional requirements of adults, children and those who were pregnant or breast-feeding. Those of us on those diets must simply choose a proper mix of plant foods, and vegans should take vitamin B12 supplements.
In addition, multiple studies have shown those on plant-based diets have a lower risk for heart disease and certain types of cancers.
Chris Barns
Mancos