Consider this...

Whether or not you consume animals and their by-products, have you ever considered the existence of these beings, even for a minute? From conception to slaughter, they experience unspeakable cruelties and intolerable confinement; yet they have consciousness and experience feelings, just like us. Even if you don't care about animals, what about the impact of agribusiness on air, land and water pollution; not to mention the fact that we grow more grains to feed animals than we do to feed the hungry, and because of this, people are starving. Even if you only care about yourself, then consider that a meat-based diet contributes to cancer, stroke, heart disease, diabetes and obesity, all of which are killing us! Animals are not here for us to use and abuse, but they are at our mercy. It's our responsibility to be good stewards of this earth, but I don't believe we can honestly say that we're doing the best we can. But we can choose to go vegan.

No Meat: Vegetarians and B12

There are essential nutrients that your body needs to function properly and promote optimum health. As a vegetarian— the absence of meat in your diet reduces the amount of vitamin B12 received through food intake as animal products are the primary source of this nutrient. Vegetarians and vegans could become deficient in B12, so it is important to know how to reduce the risk of deficiency.


Some vegetarians and vegans believe they can get adequate B12 through produce grown from manure treated soil, but according to Reed Mangels, Ph.D., R.D. this amount is “so small that more than 23 cups of organically grown spinach would have to be eaten every day in order to meet the adult RDA for vitamin B12.” Vegetarians that still consume dairy and eggs will not have as much of a risk, but those that lean more toward a near-vegan diet and vegans themselves should make sure to supplement or included foods and ingredients that assist in maintaining appropriate levels of this important nutrient.

Where to get your B12Nutritional yeast Nutritional yeast provides good amounts of not only B12 as well as protein. This cheesy tasting yeast comes in the form of flakes that can be sprinkled over dishes or used in sauces and other liquids.
Fortified foods
Many foods are fortified with B12 such as non-dairy milks, meat substitutes, and breakfast cereals.
SupplementsIncluding a multivitamin in your diet is a good way to ensure that you are getting enough B12 to prevent a deficiency.
Planning is an important part of any dietary choice. Taking meat out of your diet provides a number of health benefits by reducing your intake of fat and cholesterol.

Reposted from : www.Examiner.com