We have it in our heads that we evolved on meat. The images in our minds are clear: cavemen and drumsticks, Bible and fatted calf, Indians and buffalo, pilgrims and turkey. Besides, the majority eat meat (America-wise), we need it (nutrition-wise), and we thrive on it (longevity-wise). What’s to discuss or debate? We also know that the sun revolves around the earth, the planet is flat, and smoking is healthful. Well at least at one time we did as these were unquestioned facts.
Our diet is deeply rooted in our physiological and psychological psyches. To consider the possibility, if only for a moment, that the foods we love, giving us deep visceral and primal pleasure three-to-five times every day might not be intended for human consumption is menacing. So why would we want to do this? Because the conclusion we reach could add years or decades to both the quality and quantity of our lives for starters.
It’s hard to imagine humans were not meant to subsist on cows and their milks, chickens and their eggs, pigs, turkeys, fish and other various and sundry species of animals and animal byproducts. But, hey, anything is possible; just ask Copernicus, Columbus, and Morton Levin.