Memorial Day is this weekend and it’s the
official kickoff of the summer season, the time of year we enjoy beautiful
weather outdoors and grill up our favorite foods. But before you rush off to
buy those burgers, read these seven facts about grilling meat.
1. Meat
Can Make You Sick
While you can be stricken with foodborne
illness any time of year, your risk peaks in the summertime. The USDA reports
that hot weather and grilling are the culprits. Meats prepared on grills at
barbecues can easily be undercooked. Summer heat also creates a perfect
environment for bacteria to thrive. Nothing can ruin summer fun like
salmonella.
2. It
Raises Disease Risk
Countless studies have linked meat consumption
to increased risk for heart disease, diabetes, stroke, various cancers, and
more. In fact, the World Health Organization placed processed meats
in the same carcinogenic category as asbestos and smoking
cigarettes. And to make matters worse, grilling meat in particular has been
linked to an increased risk of cancer. Bottom line: Meat isn’t good for you.
3. It’s
Killing Our Planet
Love to enjoy nature during the warmer months?
Well, by consuming meat you’re actually destroying the great outdoors. Yes, you
read that right. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization,
carbon dioxide emissions from raising farmed animals make up about 15 percent
of global human-induced emissions, with beef and milk production as the leading
culprits.
What’s more, simply by avoiding animal
products, you cut your carbon footprint in half. Keep in
mind that a pound of beef requires 13 percent more fossil fuel and 15 times more water to
produce than a pound of soy. Protect the planet—don’t eat meat.
4. Hot
Dogs Are Nasty
Hot dogs are mainly made of animal
“trimmings. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization
states that trimmings consist of “lower-grade meat or animal parts, such as
fatty tissue, blood, liver, skin, head meat, feet, and “other edible slaughter
by-products. Still not grossed out? Just read this.
5.
Burgers Aren’t Any Better
The Washington
Post reports: “Meat patties aren’t just made from the muscle
tissue of a single animal, but from the fibers of as many as a hundred cows, or
even more. We mix different kinds of cow tissue like one combines colors on a
palette, potentially putting animals that once grazed next to each other into
tightly packed beef discs. Yes, this means that one burger could contain meat
from over 100 cows!
6. No
Federal Laws Protect Farmed Animals for Most of Their Lives
Sadly, not
a single federal law protects animals during their lives at factory farms.
The Humane Methods of Slaughter Act pertains only to the slaughterhouse. What’s
more, the HMSA doesn’t include birds, leaving them with virtually no protection from abuse.
7. Meat
Comes From Suffering Animals
Arguably the most repulsive thing about
grilling meat is the incredible animal cruelty in every bite.
Extreme confinement; mutilations without painkillers; and bloody, violent
slaughter are all the norm at factory farms.
—-
Start your summer with compassion and love.
Leave all animal products off your plate and enjoy a delicious, nutritious, and compassionate vegan meal!
Click here for eight drool-worthy vegan grill
recipes.
Click here for a list of the most grill-worthy vegan
meats on the market.