Carne: consumir ou não consumir? Eis a questão.

Abstract

The dissemination of numerous unfounded information about meat consumption has led some people to erroneously claim that this activity is the main villain of global warming and scarcity of water resources, the increase in cardiovascular and associated diseases, in addition to mistreatment of production animals. Adopting veganism has been an alternative for those who says that want to stop the destruction of the environment, reduce the exploitation of animals and improve their quality of life. However, many of the arguments used by supporters of this lifestyle are unfounded and without scientific evidence. Today, sustainable livestock farming is already a reality seen on many farms and most of the meat sold in large urban centers comes from slaughterhouses that meet animal and environmental welfare standards; research shows that the consumption of animal proteins is essential for human nutrition and the diseases associated with consumption are related to the quality of the meat and the way it is prepared. Therefore, we will start this study by bringing an overview of Brazilian livestock and how it has developed over the years, then points will be presented that show the importance of meat consumption from the first homids to the present day and the main deficiencies caused by animal protein-restricted diets. Subsequently, the most talked about points in relation to the production of animal proteins will be explained, such as: animal welfare, animal husbandry and the environment as well as the use of hormones and antibiotics in production. With a scientific basis, this work seeks to show the consumer that it is possible to eat meat in a healthy way, respecting animals and the environment.