Eating lower on the food chain means moving down a few links and becoming more of an herbivore, less of a carnivore.
Generally, the smallest species are at the bottom of the food chain, while larger animals are at the top. Members of each successive link eat the lower and more vulnerable species–although nature always provides plenty of exceptions to any rule. A bird is higher on the food chain than a worm, for example, a fish is higher than a fly, and a cow higher than grass.
Eating lower on the food chain is good for your health. Studies from around the world confirm that the lower on the food chain a human eats, the greater the protection against heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
One of the biggest reasons to eat low on the food chain is to not eat contaminated fat. A number of chemicals created for industrial use — PCBs, flame retardants, dioxin, and DDT for instance–end up in larger animals each link up the food chain. Mercury found in tuna is a classic example of this concern.
Eating lower on the food chain is also good for the planet. Modern meat production involves intensive use of grain, water, energy, and grazing areas. Pork is the most resource-intensive meat, followed by beenf, then poultry, eggs, and dairy products. Almost half of the energy used in American agriculture goes into livestock production.
Go vegan just three meals a week to help steer your body –and the planet–in a healthier direction.
