THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
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Heart disease caused by more factors than just diet 

Heart disease caused by more factors than just diet 

Re: “Meat not sole cause of climate woes, but major”, Letters, The Nation Weekend, January 12-13.

Eric Bahrt seems to be confused: I did not, as he claims, attribute to him the assertion that “the livestock industry is the only cause of global warming”. Instead I made reference to his own statement that ending the killing of animals for food “would probably put an end to global warming”. 
Now, according to him, we meat-eaters are at risk of suffering heart attacks, impotence and other ailments because of our diet, but if that is so, how does he account for the fact that Japan has the lowest incidence of heart disease in the world, yet only 4.7 per cent of Japan’s population are vegan or vegetarian? Or that South Korea has the second lowest incidence, with only 3 per cent vegan or vegetarian? I think the answer is obvious. Many prestigious organisations, for example Harvard University and Britain’s National Health Service, have pointed out that the causes of coronary heart disease are complex and linked to many factors, not just diet. Lifestyle choices and a balanced diet, whether or not it includes meat, fish and dairy products, are the keys to a long and hopefully happy life. 
Tonight’s dinner is chicken casserole. It won’t increase my risk of suffering a heart attack, but reading any more of Eric Bahrt’s letters might.
Robin Grant
Bangkok

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