It seems that our hunger for meat is increasing year on year. Statistics from the Worldwatch Institute show that in 2010 the average consumption of meat per capita within industrial countries was 80 kilograms a year.
This may sound counter-intuitive, given the rise in all things vegan and vegetarian. But, despite numerous warnings about high meat consumption – including estimates of 11 per cent of deaths in men and 16 per cent of deaths in women being preventable if the amount of red meat we eat was significantly reduced – our appetite remains unsatisfied.
The environmental factors don’t appear to discourage us, despite the fact that raising livestock accounts for approximately 23 per cent of all global water use in agriculture, which equates to 1.15 litres of water per person per day. In addition, we’re responsible for an estimated 18 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions, 40 per cent of the world’s methane and 65 per cent of the world’s nitrous oxide.
These facts alone may sound like compelling reasons to go vegetarian, or at least reduce meat consumption. Here are five other reasons to go green.
1. Lose weight
The promise of a smaller waist could tempt even the most avid carnivore, so this has to be the top reason. A study at Oxford University detailing 38,000 adults made a strong case for vegetarianism, finding that meat eaters had a higher BMI for their age compared with semi-vegetarians and vegetarians.
2. Live longer
Another study from Oxford University published in the British Medical Journal found that vegetarians lived, on average, six years longer than meat eaters. It is understood that plant diets are typically richer in fibre and nutrients that boost the immune system and put less stress on your body.
3. Feel happier
The more fruits and vegetables that you eat, the happier you feel, with the optimal portions per day being seven. Typically, a vegetarian diet is richer in fruits and vegetables, giving an extra boost of positivity and energy, as explained by a study published in the British Journal of Health Psychology.
4. Look better
Eating more fruits and vegetables, or more “live” foods, helps provide the body with “living energy” – which translates into brighter skin, shinier hair and a healthy glow. All the antioxidants in plant foods are responsible for this from increased circulation and oxygenation. If you want to glow, eating more raw foods will certainly help to illuminate you from within.
5. Detox
Unless you insist on going organic, meats tend to accumulate significant amounts of hormones, herbicides, pesticides and antibiotics.
Laura Holland is a well-being consultant and nutritional therapist. For more information, go to www.BeUtifulYou.Com
artslife@thenational.ae
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
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Mane points for safe home colouring
- Natural and grey hair takes colour differently than chemically treated hair
- Taking hair from a dark to a light colour should involve a slow transition through warmer stages of colour
- When choosing a colour (especially a lighter tone), allow for a natural lift of warmth
- Most modern hair colours are technique-based, in that they require a confident hand and taught skills
- If you decide to be brave and go for it, seek professional advice and use a semi-permanent colour
Omar Yabroudi's factfile
Born: October 20, 1989, Sharjah
Education: Bachelor of Science and Football, Liverpool John Moores University
2010: Accrington Stanley FC, internship
2010-2012: Crystal Palace, performance analyst with U-18 academy
2012-2015: Barnet FC, first-team performance analyst/head of recruitment
2015-2017: Nottingham Forest, head of recruitment
2018-present: Crystal Palace, player recruitment manager
Explainer: Tanween Design Programme
Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.
The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.
It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.
The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.
Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”
At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
MATCH INFO
Rajasthan Royals 158-8 (20 ovs)
Kings XI Punjab 143/7 (20 ovs)
Rajasthan Royals won by 15 runs
