Letter to the Editor

Investigation reveals problems

Monday, July 4, 2011

To the Editor:

A new undercover investigation at one of the largest pig farms in America has revealed shocking acts of cruelty that have many people thinking about giving up meat.

As a dietitian, I applaud that impulse, which can also help reduce your risk of obesity and other diet-related diseases.

Vegetarian diets are not just better for weight management, they are more nutritious than diets that include meat, according to a new study in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. Researchers studied the diets and health of more than 13,000 participants and found that vegetarians were not only slimmer than their meat-eating counterparts, their fiber and calcium intakes were both significantly higher.

Vegetarians also consumed more magnesium, potassium, iron, thiamin, riboflavin, folate, and vitamins A, C, and E, and less total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol.

It's clear that meatless meals are the best option for both animals' well-being and for our own health.

For help making the transition, order a free Vegetarian Starter Kit at www.PCRM.org.

Sincerely,

Susan Levin, M.S., R.D.,

Director of Nutrition Education,

Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine,

Washington, D.C.