Are We Designed to Eat Meat?

Biologically Speaking:

Teeth:

As seen in this chart, we have flattened molars, big and flattened incisors and blunt canines like frugivores and herbivores.
Our teeth are not carnivorous teeth. We do have a few canines (while carnivores have a mouthful of them) but they are not nearly as sharp and pointy as those of lions for example.
Real carnivores have large, sharp canines capable of tearing flesh without the help of any tools.

Saliva:

We have big salivary glands, alkaline saliva with ptyalin (an enzyme) unlike carnivores and omnivores which have small salivary glands with acid saliva.

Carnivores also swallow their food without chewing, which we can't do.

Ptyalin, also known as alpha-amylase, is an enzyme found in saliva that plays a crucial role in carbohydrates digestion. It breaks down complex carbohydrates such as starches into simpler sugars like maltose and dextrin.

This process begins in the mouth as food is chewed and mixed with saliva containing ptyalin. Ptyalin works optimally in slightly alkaline conditions, which is why the mouth's pH level is typically kept slightly basic to facilitate its activity.

Digestive tract:

One significant anatomical difference between humans and carnivores is the length of the digestive tract. Carnivores have relatively short digestive tracts, which allow for rapid digestion and absorption of animal flesh (2-4 hours) .

In contrast, humans have a longer digestive tract more similar to frugivores, which allows for the slower breakdown of plant foods and the absorption of nutrients over a longer period (takes about 12-18 to complete a digestion).

Cholesterol:

Cholesterol is not a problem for the digestive system of carnivorous animals.

A lion can metabolize very high cholesterol levels without any harm to his health.

Cholesterol can only be found in animal foods.

A strictly plant-based diet has zero cholesterol which is related to health problems in humans.

Vitamin C Synthesis

Carnivores can obtain vitamin C from their prey, but humans must consume it from dietary sources like fruits and vegetables. This need further supports the argument that our bodies are more aligned with plant-based diets.

Regarding Health:

Meat can be Toxic to humans:

A Carnivore eats chunks of raw flesh, because the strong acids in their stomach are capable of kill the dangerous bacteria in meat.
Humans usually cook meat to make it easier to digest and to destroy bacteria, but there may be a link between cooking meat at high temperatures and the development of colon cancer.

About 600 million people get food poisoning every year.
The most common type is Salmonella, which is normally contracted by consuming meats that have not been properly cooked or raw, unpasteurized dairy.

Heart Disease and Others:
Heart Disease is the leading cause of death globally. Meat eaters have over 30% more chance of developing heart disease than vegetarians.
Studies have linked high intake of red and processed meats to an increased risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.

What about our Human Ancestors?
Most of the time throughout history, we were largely vegetarian. Early hominins primarily consumed a plant-based diet, supplemented by insects and small animals. The introduction of meat into the human diet coincided with the development of tools and hunting techniques, and later, the discovery of fire. Cooking meat made it easier to digest and allowed our ancestors to survive during periods of food scarcity, but it didn't transform them into carnivores.

Meat Consumption Nowadays:
Until recently, meat was something rare to find, only the wealthiest people could afford to slaughter animals for meat, but with the years passing, that has changed.
Nowadays, is relatively easily available because of factory farming, allowing the supply to rise.
Another thing that’s rising worldwide is heart disease, strokes, cancer and other diseases.

Nutritionally, Do Humans Need Meat?
Following a plant-based diet has been associated with many health benefits, when compared to diets which include meat.

Plant-based sources of protein include beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh, seitan, nuts, seeds, vegetables and whole grains.

These foods provide essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants necessary for optimal health.

Research has shown that plant-based diets can be associated with lower rates of chronic disease and improved longevity when compared to diets high in animal products.
Even though there are nutrients like vitamin B12 that may require supplementation on a vegan diet, studies have shown that people who eat meat have more nutritional deficiencies than people who don’t eat meat.

Are we Suppose to eat meat?

There are also many studies that show that meat is not ideal for humans, not only that, it might be toxic.

Ultimately, a balanced and sustainable diet that emphasizes whole, plant-based foods that are full of fiber, antioxidants, unsaturated fat and full of nutrients can support optimal health and well-being for humans, animals and the planet.

References and Further Reading

Scientific Studies: Look up studies on human digestion, cholesterol metabolism, and the health impacts of plant-based diets.

Books: Read books on human evolution, diet, and ethical eating.

Documentaries: Watch documentaries about plant-based diets and the impact of the meat industry.

Notable Considerations:

Ethical:

The industrial animal agriculture system is often characterized by factory farming practices that prioritize efficiency and profit over animal welfare.

Animals raised for food are subjected to confinement, overcrowding, mutilation, and inhumane slaughter practices, leading to suffering and cruelty.

By choosing to adopt a plant-based diet, people can align their dietary choices with their values of compassion, empathy, and respect for all living beings.

Environmental Sustainability:

The modern meat industry is a significant contributor to environmental issues such as deforestation, habitat destruction, greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity.

By reducing or eliminating the consumption of animal products, individuals can reduce their ecological footprint and mitigate the environmental impact of their dietary choices.

Here are just a few of the differences between carnivores and herbivores but enough to see to humans have much more in common with the last.

Humans are not designed to eat meat.

Eating meat is a choice, not a necessity.

A balanced and sustainable diet emphasizing whole, plant-based foods supports optimal health and well-being for humans, animals, and the planet. Choosing a plant-based diet is not only a choice for personal health but also a compassionate and environmentally responsible decision.

By reducing meat consumption and exploring plant-based options, you can contribute to a healthier future for yourself and the world. Consider starting with small changes, such as incorporating one plant-based meal a day, and gradually transition to a more plant-focused diet.