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Health Concerns by Skip
By Ted | July 23, 2008
From CANNABIS DIGEST #18
Today’s topic is: Are humans herbivore or carnivore and what are the implications regarding health, life expectancy, and environmental impact? Some things to consider, (anatomical and physiological) regarding the difference between humans and known carnivores: carnivores have long, sharp pointedc teeth for tearing flesh, mouths that open wide to capture and hold prey. Jaws that move up and down, gastric PH around 1 to 2 ( highly acidic) and relatively short intestines, approximately 3 times the animals length. Carnivores stomachs represent 60-70% of the total capacity of the digestive system- they eat less often and typically gorge themselves, resting while the large volume digests.
Humans have molars for crushing and grinding; jaws that move side to side for eating vegetation. Human mouths have a relatively small opening, intestinal tracts 10 to 12 times the length of our trunks, a PH of approximately 5-6 (more more alkaline) and urine that is much more alkaline than carnivores. In herbivorous animals the large intestine functions on a highly specialized organ and when functioning properly (with proper flora , in sufficient amounts) is involved in water and electrolyte absorbtion vitamen production (esp. B’s) and absorption and some fermentation of fiberous plant materials. The stomach volume of the herbivore represents approximately 21-27% of total volume of the gastrointestinal tract (G.I. tract).
Humans have evolved primarily as herbivores, the entire alimentary canal from mouth to anus clearly indictes the biological preference for herbs, nuts, seeds and fruit. Grains and legumes are a different topic. We ofter hear people talking about “getting enough protein”. Protein is composed of amino acids. Amino acids are said to be the building blocks of protein. We get amino acids from every food source. What humans require for good sound nutrition is a richly coloured, fresh, mostly raw or lightly cooked, varied diet. We may in times of weakness or debilitation take some organic, respectably killed meat in the form of soup, broth or condiment. Life is reciprocal. If we consume, mistreat or abuse plants, animals, air or water, we become that.
A few bits of information concerning environmental impacts of meat production for human consumption. This is based on the United Nations Food And Agriculture Organization (UNFAO). Estimated 18% of global greenhouse gases are due to livestock production. Not just methane and manure gases, but land uses, especially deforestation and destruction of peyote fields to expand production. Livestock now uses 30% of the earth’s entire land surface. In Latin America 70% of former forest in the Amozon have been converted to grazing. Almost every environmental castrophe confronting the planet is attributable to lifestock production/global forest destruction/spreading deserts/lose of fresh water/soil erosion etc.
Between 1950 and 1994 global meat production increased nearly fourfold, rising much faster than the human population. During this time production rates jumped from 18 to 35.4 kilograms per person. In Canada, farm animal outwieght people 4.3 to 1. In the USA farm animal outweight people 4 to 1, in Mexico 3.4 to 1, in China 1.1 to 1 and in India 0.65 to 1. The most noteworthy statistic is perhaps that a meat based diet requires 7 times more land than a plant based diet. Considering the displacement of indigous species of plant plants and animals the consequences are huge. W
e need biodiversity for health, we need respect for life, for health and we need to work together to enjoy ourselves, to share food, space, thoughts and develop a multi-generational, ethical, caring world. Its vastly different and intimately healthier than the fragmented, compartmentalized, competitive engineered social mechanisms we now employ. Respect animals, remember their lives are just as important to them as ours are to us. Be who your dog thinks you are.
Remember: Nature cures- side effects are future business.
Skip Lafluer, owner of Simple Remedies
(See all of Skip’s previous articles on hempology.ca)
Topics: Articles, CD-18th, Summer 2008 | Comments Off
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