Despite the myth being debunked, many meat eaters, and even doctors, still literally believe that meat, especially red meat, was what made our brain bigger, but it was actually a theory, that came from what they called ''Expensive Tissue Hypothesis'' (ETH), and even the researcher who came up with it admitted that it was a mistake. Our brain actually got bigger due to the the cooking of plant foods, such as starches (tubers), not because of (red) meat.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/
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They discovered that humans have multiple copies of a gene, called Amylase 1 (or AMY1), found in human DNA, which is evolutionarily designed for digesting tubers (starches, like potatoes). Ptyalin, a form of Amylase, is also found in our saliva, and in the saliva of other frugivorous animals, which proves that we are designed to eat carbs. The salivary amylase gene has undergone duplication during evolution, and DNA hybridization studies indicate that many individuals have multiple tandem repeats of the gene. The number of gene copies correlates with the levels of salivary amylase, as measured by protein blot assays using antibodies to human amylase. Gene copy number is associated with apparent evolutionary exposure to high-starch diets. For example, a Japanese individual had 14 copies of the amylase gene (one allele with 10 copies, and a second allele with four copies). The Japanese diet has traditionally contained large amounts of rice starch. In contrast, a Biaka individual carried six copies (three copies on each allele). The Biaka are rainforest hunter-gatherers who have traditionally consumed a low-starch diet. Perry and colleagues speculated the increased copy number of the salivary amylase gene may have enhanced survival coincident to a shift to a starchy diet during human evolution.
In addition, according to some tooth enamel analysis of fossilized teeth of our ancestors, it appears that most of our ancestors had a mostly frugivorous diet (starch, fruits), while meat was just a small part of their diet.
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We did not evolve as omnivores, as some experts claim. We evolved as frugivores, and our ancestors were frugivores as well. Our canines are there for a reason - to tear hard fruits, such as apples and quinces, not for tearing meat. If we would have evolved as omnivores, we would have completely changed our anatomical design by now, and we would now be able to tolerate high levels of cholesterol and animal protein, but we are not. Our anatomical design is still that of a 100% herbivore (long intestinal tract, alkaline saliva, weak stomach acid, etc.). Humans are labelled as ''omnivores'' based on the dietary habits of most people in rich countries, not based on anatomical design. .
ANIMAL PRODUCTS CAN AND DO AFFECT YOUR BRAIN, AND CAN ALSO MAKE YOU FEEL NERVOUS, DEPRESSED AND EXTREMELY STRESSED
Contrary to popular belief, eating meat over a long period of time can actually affect brain function. A Dutch study revealed that cognitive function in males aged 69-89 suggests that a high intake of Omega 6, which is found in red meat, is positively associated with cognitive impairment. Continue reading, in order to find out how animal products affect your brain and body, because red meat is certainly not the only animal product that affects your brain.
~ Animal Products & Thinking ~
Animal products are high in saturated fat and cholesterol. Cholesterol accumulates in the arteries around the heart, and it also accumulates in the blood vessels inside the brain. The extra fat accumulation in the brain slows down the thinking process. Vegetarians appear to have a clearer thinking and better concentration than omnivores, as well as a more open mind, in general. Most omnivores who switched to a plant based diet have at least noticed some change in their personality. Calmness, less stress and a more open mind are among the main changes that people may notice after they give up animal products.
~ Animal Products & Serotonin (High-Carb Diet Vs. Low-Carb Diet) ~
Since the primary fuel for our brain is glucose, we need to get most of our daily energy from carbohydrates. A diet with a greater emphasis on carbohydrates has a favorable effect on the formation of serotonin in the brain. A sufficient supply of serotonin improves mental health. Not only does a low-carb diet cut off the brain's main energy supply and affect the serotonin levels, but an insufficiency of glucose can also impede the synthesis of acetylcholine, one of the brain's key neurotransmitters.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter which plays an important role in mood regulation, and it is biochemically derived from tryptophan, an essential amino acid. Stress-induced serotonin dysfunctions are associated with depression, anxiety and fear, among others. It can affect our mood, sleep, appetite, cravings, etc.
Those of you who used to eat an omnivorous diet probably noticed an overall mood improvement, after switching to a plant based diet, especially a diet rich in fruits and veggies, so you know what I mean. Omnivores tend to be far more depressed, anxious, aggressive / violent and nervous than vegetarians, even though animal products, especially meats, contain tryptophan. We tend to believe that eating more protein rich foods is supposed to increase tryptophan levels and decrease ''hyperness'', but high-protein / low-carb diets, such as the Atkins diet, are actually associated with depression, sleeping disorders and anxiety. Thing is, tryptophan is not the only amino acid involved in this process. Tryptophan actually competes with other amino acids, such as phenylalanine and leucine, for active transport across the blood-brain barrier, so increasing protein intake actually decreases tryptophan levels, because tryptophan is outcompeted by the other amino acids - meat does contain tryptophan, but it also contains much higher amounts of the other amino acids, which explains why this happens. Some people on high-protein / low-carb diets may experience ''hyperness'', that may be due to the increase in protein breakdown by the protease enzymes, which affect the tryptophan / serotonin levels. Fruits, such as bananas, dates and papayas, on the other hand, have the right ratio of tryptophan to phenylalanine and leucine, so they will increase serotonin levels, giving you a feeling of well-being, happiness, relaxation, calmness.
Despite many sites claiming that a high-carb / low-protein diet causes diabetes, it's actually animal products that have been found to be associated with this disease, and also with high cholesterol. Animal proteins stimulate the release of insulin and activate HMG-CoA reductase, the limiting enzyme for cholesterol synthesis. The fatty acid pattern of cell membranes, which is essentially influenced by the dietary intake of fatty acids, exerts a considerable effect on the sensitivity of insulin receptors. Meat and sausages contain a relatively high number of saturated fatty acids. Several studies have shown that a high intake of saturated fatty acids reduces insulin sensitivity and promotes insulin resistance. The Western diet, with its high intake of fat and saturated fatty acids, is a considerable risk factor for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. It is well-known that insulin resistance leads to hyperinsulinism. Chronically raised insulin levels are a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and for various kinds of tumors. The adherents of the Atkins diet (plenty of meat and fat) claim that the advantages of this diet are due to a diminished insulin response which facilitates weight reduction. In fact, food rich in protein leads to an above-average insulin response surpassing its glycemic index. Another thing is, the heme iron found in meat is associated with risk of type 2 diabetes, and colon cancer, as well. Heme iron from red meat is resorbed ten times as well as iron of vegetable origin. There is a positive connection between the risk for cardiac infarction and the intake of heme iron. Excess iron forms free radicals and damages LDL via oxidative stress. Oxidative damage to LDL, on the other hand, is the most important pathogenetic principle for the formation of foam cells and atherosclerotic plaques. A well-balanced vegetarian diet does not lead to a lack of iron. Vegetarians, as a rule, have lower iron reserves, which, according to a recent study, results in a higher insulin sensitivity.
Simple carbohydrates intake, such as refined ''white grains'' and processed foods, however, should be deceased. Complex carbohydrates are much better. Fresh fruits, vegetables and natural juices, all eaten raw, as well as whole grains, whole cereals, potatoes, beans and brown rice, are among the best sources of carbohydrates. Refined sugar and sodas should be avoided, as much as possible. Note that fructose and glucose found in fresh fruits and veggies are ''good sugars'', and they should not be confused with sucrose, which is ''bad sugar''.
Now, seriously, Asians have a diet very rich in carbs, but do they have a high rate of diabetes?!
http://www.fi.edu/learn/
~ Animal Products & Cortisol ~
A diet rich in protein leads to a rise in cortisol in the saliva and in the blood serum. A diet rich in carbohydrates does not have this effect. Hypercortisolism not only has an immune suppressive effect, but can also, over time, damage hippocampal cells, which are important for memory formation and for learning behavior. While low cortisol levels can be unhealthy too, high cortisol levels can cause serious health problems.
Animal products are not high only in stress causing natural hormones, and raise cortisol levels, but are also very rich in purines, which can increase the levels of uric acid in your body, and having high cortisol levels and high uric acid levels at the same time can be detrimental to your health. A high intake of purine rich foods can also cause gout. Animals products, such as liver, kidney, sardines, herrings, mussels, bacon, scallops, cod, tuna, trout, haddock, veal, venison, turkey, oysters, beef, chicken, crab, duck, goose, ham, lobster, shellfish, pork, anchovies, lamb, shrimp and meat extracts, as well as dairy products, have concentrated amounts of purines. Most vegetal foods are not high in purines, but some of them are. Asparagus, spinach, lentils, kidney beans, lima beans, navy beans, cauliflower and oatmeal, as well as mushrooms and yeast, and alcohol (especially beer), are among the high purine non-animal foods, even though, apparently, the purines found in plant foods show no significant negative effect.
~ Animal Products & Oxygenation ~
Because animal products, especially meats and eggs, are very high in saturated fat, which raises the amount of cholesterol in the blood, further contributing to the buildup of atherosclerotic plaque, an omnivore's body requires more oxygen in the bloodstream. The breathing rate rises after eating animal products, making it difficult to maintain a calm mind. Thinking in general becomes defensive, suspicious, rigid, and sometimes aggressive. A very narrow, analytical view is often the result. Omnivores often have lower oxygen levels than vegetarians. Dairy, even though, unlike meat and eggs, is believed to have ''calming'' effects, it can lead to many other problems, such as mucous accumulations in the nasal cavities and inner ear - resulting in hay fever and hearing difficulty, as well as tumors, breast and prostate cancer, and kidney stones, among others.
~ Animal Products & The Endocrine System ~
Animal products can directly or indirectly affect the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus, which may lead to poor growth and development in children. These days, most people don't even reach their genetic height, and even though there are many other factors that should be taken into account, the diet remains, without doubt, one of the most important factors in human growth. Stress is another important factor that is known to cause variation in the levels of GH (growth hormone) and IGF-1 (Insulin-like growth factor 1) in the circulation, and animal products are known to increase stress levels.
An increase in the meat and other animal products consumption, since the beginning of the 20th century, has been found to be associated with early puberty. A University of Brighton study, published in the ''Public Health Nutrition'' journal, found that girls who eat a lot of meat tend to reach puberty at a significantly younger age than girls who eat less meat.
Another problem with meat and dairy is, they contain high levels of estrogen, that not only increases the risk of cancer, but also leads to the early closure of growth plates. Mushrooms, on the other hand, are like natural aromatase inhibitors. Extracts of certain mushrooms have been shown to inhibit aromatase when evaluated by enzyme assays, with white mushroom having shown the greatest ability to inhibit the enzyme.
People often think that just because meat contains a lot of protein, it is good for your bone and muscle growth. Well, it is not. Not to mention animal products, including meats and dairy, are highly acidic and promote calcium loss, leading to demineralization of the bones, and calcium is one of the most important things in the growth process. While some people may have very good genetics and grow very tall, regardless of diet, most of us were not blessed with good genetics, so we should be more careful in choosing our foods, when we sleep, how much we exercise, etc. And even those with good genes probably haven't reached their real genetic height.
Most grains, especially refined ''white grains'', are acid forming, as well, and they can also reduce GH secretion, which may be one of the reasons why most Asians, who have a diet rich in these foods, are shorter than those who don't eat too much refined grain. Whole grains and brown rice, on the other hand, would be better choices, as they might help stimulate GH release.
Dairy is believed to be worse than meat, actually. It affects all the organs and systems. However, because it is a product of the mammary gland, it primarily affects the human glands and related structures, especially the reproductive organs. The most commonly affected are the breasts, uterus, ovaries, prostate, thyroid, nasal cavities, pituitary gland, the cochlea in the ear, and the cerebral area surrounding the midbrain.
~ Statins & Brain Damage ~
Since animal products are high in cholesterol, a big problem may be Statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors), which are often used to lower cholesterol levels, by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a central role in the production of cholesterol in the liver. Statins side effects include, but are not limited to muscle weakness and neuropathy, muscle pain, memory loss, inability to concentrate, mood swings and other behavioral changes. And when you think about the fact that you could simply avoid all this, by just choosing a healthy diet, low in cholesterol...
Those are just a few of the negative effects of animal products on humans. I could write a lot more, but I'd make this post too long and no one will read, but I think you already got it. Plus, you should think about the fact that most meat, cheese, eggs and other animal products that people eat are in the form of PRECESSED ''foods'', which are also loaded with artificial hormones, antibiotics, artificial flavors and additives, ammonia, and even arsenic and mercury, among others, in addition to the natural hormones and acids that animal products contain. Most processed meat is actually decayed, but it's treated with carbon monoxide to make it look fresh.
http://preventdisease.com/
THE CONCLUSION I DREW AND MY VIEW ON ANIMAL PRODUCTS CONSUMPTION
Animal products are really the worst things that you could eat. They are basically poison that we were not intended to eat. I think people don't realize it yet, but most of them can't even use their brain and body at its full potential, all because of these unhealthy products that they eat on a daily basis, which hold them back. Animal products are not the only things that affect us, though. There are many other products, as well as other factors, which can affect our health. But I think those who want to change their lives for the better should start by eliminating animal products.
Since there is 100% medical and scientific evidence that supports a plant based diet, I really don't see any reason why humans would still eat animal products. With a bit of knowledge, you could easily choose the right plant foods, in the right amounts and combinations, and eat a varied and balanced healthy plant based diet that provides you with all the nutrients you need, without all those negative things that are found in animal products. It's really not worth eating animal products, considering the fact that they are not only the main cause of heart disease, cancer and diabetes, but they are also among the main causes of depression, anxiety and brain damage, as well as obesity. And why ''filter'' your nutrients through others' bodies, when you can get best quality nutrients directly from the original source?!
Not to mention a plant based diet would save billions of non-human animals each year from slavery, unnecessary torture and slaughter. Please, ditch animal products from your diet, or better yet, adopt a vegan lifestyle! (http://vegankit.com/)
