The Importance of a Balanced Diet

The Importance of a Balanced Diet

Humans are omnivores, which means that they are capable of eating food from both plants and animals. Though meat provides the body with energy, proteins, iron, and vitamins, many do not believe it is essential. These people are often vegetarians and vegans. The difference between them is that vegetarians do not consume meat (but they do consume animal products, like eggs and milk) while vegans do not consume any animal products at all. A well balanced diet aids in keeping a person healthy and can often prevent diseases. Ultimately, people have different viewpoints when it comes to meat and its role in Western Civilization.

Disease has played a large part in the evolution of Western Civilization. It has contributed to advancements and modifications in diet and modern medicine, as well as setbacks. The primary underlying cause of many diseases is a poor diet. Whether it is from a high daily intake of mostly fatty foods or a lack of protein consumption, diet greatly affects the body. Heart disease, diabetes, and cancer are three of the most common diseases that affect Western Civilization. According to The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 65 percent of adults over the age of twenty are either overweight or obese. Heart attacks are the leading cause of death in the United States. A high-fat diet often causes heart disease, but it can also increase the chance of developing certain cancers. By not consuming an appropriately balanced diet, a person's body becomes susceptible to disease and illness.

The Western diet is fairly diverse when it comes to receiving nutrients from a variety of foods. When it comes to meat, Western Civilization has made it into an essential part of daily meals. However in retrospect, the amount of meat consumed typically varies among countries and individuals. It can depend on social status, income, and personal preference. That being said, most Americans consume a diet with meat. This is primarily because meat provides the body with nutrients that it needs. To a meat eater the benefits of consuming it are amplified. It is a cultural norm to consume meat and meat products in Western Civilization and it is readily available. Because of its popularity and demand, every fast food restaurant carries meat products. This makes it even easier to include meat into a person's diet. Unfortunately because of its abundant availability, the United States faces many problems when it comes to health. Though it is culturally acceptable to eat meat, many individuals see that there is an alternate option to consuming it and therefore choose to become vegetarians.

From the standpoint of a vegetarian, there are many reasons why they feel meat is not a necessity in their diet. Though it may be a little more difficult to obtain most of the nutrients that meat provides, vegetarians are still able to receive them at adequate levels through