Part of the Casswiki article series Books
The Vegetarian Myth: Food, Justice and Sustainability is a book by Lierre Keith, first published in 2009. It discusses, with scientific backing, the problems with vegetarianism and veganism, both in terms of health and ethics.
Keith explores how agriculture as commonly practiced around the world ultimately destroys the very conditions required for life. Ecosystems are destroyed, top soil is depleted, and artificial irrigation eventually increases salt levels in the soil to the point where the land turns into desert. A more general and ultimate point is that it is impossible to eat without the taking of other life. It happens in one way or another, and the strictest vegan cannot escape it. Ethical vegetarianism and veganism are based on noble, but unfortunately misguided ideals. To do the least harm possible, and to treat nature with the greatest respect possible, requires another approach.
Also discussed is health and nutrition. The Vegetarian Myth provides a great summary of the science showing the benefits of a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet, and the problems with exclusively plant-based diets.
See also
- Paleo diet
- Ketogenic diet
- Vegetarianism
Further reading
- Primal Body, Primal Mind
- Diet Research of the Cassiopaea Forum
- Keto-Adapted
- The Art and Science of Low Carbohydrate Living
- Life Without Bread
External links
- Cassiopaea Forum: The Vegetarian Myth (An extensive discussion over time, both before and after we encountered Lierre Keith’s work. Also contains links to and discussion of some further resources.)
- The Vegetarian Myth (Review by Michael R. Eades, M.D.)
- SOTT Talk Radio Show #36: Dissecting the Vegetarian Myth – Interview with Lierre Keith [transcript and recording] [discussion]
- Lierre Keith on ‘The Vegetarian Myth – Food, Justice and Sustainability’ (A talk by the author.)
- Cassiopaea Forum: Le Mythe végétarien en français ! /The Vegetarian Myth in French!