There’s a new flu strain that is apparently spilling over from cows to humans in the US. Is this something to be concerned about and would this be enough to get you to stop eating inyama or meat?
For Kaya Drive’s Sizwe Dhlomo, nothing would convince him to quit inyama. Even knowing how some animals are treated leading up to their slaughter is not enough to get the drive host to stop eating bacon.
Every year farmers have to put down animals on their farms due to illness or harsh weather conditions.
Avian flu costs the poultry industry millions when strains are detected either locally or internationally. The same can be said for cattle and picks, with foot and mouth disease or bovine-related diseases doing the rounds.
There are also reports that some farmers simply cut around the cancer cells they discover in pigs and still sell the rest of the meat to the public.
Regardless of all this information, there are South Africans who swear they will never be able to stop eating inyama.
“Meat is a staple in my family’s diet. We eat meat every day, whether it’s chicken feet, offals, skopo (cow head) or beef. Every day, we have meat. No matter what.”
Not even the rising cost of meat will deter some Kaya Drive listeners from enjoying their meat dishes. Some say they will cut out anything else in their budgets but not their polony.
Listen to the conversation on Kaya Drive:
Here are 5 reasons for you to go meat-free at least once a week:
- Save money
The cost of vegetables are significantly cheaper than pork, beef or chicken in the country. With meat products marked per kilogram, feeding a family of four a veggie-based meal will be lighter on your pocket.
An example would be to swap out the mince in pasta or lasagne dishes for mushrooms. At roughly R 25 a punnet of mushrooms, this is a steal for a family on a tight budget.
- Improve your overall health score
Your annual health assessment with your medical aid provider will have you fill out a questionnaire about your diet. A diet with a higher portion of fruit and vegetables gives you a better overall score.
A 12-year Oxford study published in the British Medical Journal found that vegetarians outlive meat eaters by six years. Plant-based diets are generally higher in fibre, phytonutrients, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, strengthening the immune system slowing down the ageing process.
- Lose weight and keep it off
South Africa has a high obesity rate, with 31% of men and 68% of women overweight. An Oxford Vegetarian Study found that BMI (body mass index – a measure of body fat) levels are lower in vegetarians for both men and women. On average non- meat-eaters have a lower body mass index.
- Cancer prevention
According to the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA), there is evidence to show that a diet high in vegetable produce can reduce cancer.
- Reduce the risk of heart disease
Vegetarian diets are naturally lower in saturated fats and cholesterol than meat-based diets. The Heart and Stroke Foundation advocates that a vegetarian meal plan may lead to lower blood pressure, improved cholesterol levels, healthier weight and a lower chance of Type 2 diabetes, all of which can reduce heart disease and stroke risk.
If harmful pesticides are a concern for you, opt for organic fruit and vegetables, or start a veggie garden to control what you consume. Going meat-free once a week can be a fun way to get the family included in the meal plan for the day. Meals can also be themed by a country to give more variety to your diet.
Also read: Messy eater’s guide to looking put together
