Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
What are the pros and cons of vegetarianism?
Position‹2 of 2

Cons of vegetarianism

This position sets out the cons of vegetarianism. It argues a meat-free diet can cause nutritional deficiencies by lacking important nutrients, that it does not necessarily help the environment—sometimes carrying a large carbon footprint—and that it can damage traditional regional diets.

Supporting arguments · 3

  1. Vegetarianism can have a large carbon footprint
    A vegetarian diet can harm the environment due to eating fruits/vegetables that are imported because they aren't locally in season.
  2. A diet that lacks meat also lacks important nutrients
    Meat is on the food pyramid for a reason, and without meat in the diet, important nutrients essential to development and health aren't absorbed.
  3. Vegetarianism hurts and damages regional diets
    Many of the foods that are popular among vegetarians are exotic and imported, leaving the people that the food is indigenous to without the staples that they need.