The pfiesteria microorganism causes its human victims to suffer from memory loss, skin lesions, and incapacitating fatigue.9 Raising animals for food is also taking its toll on the world's forests. Since 1960, more than one-quarter of the rain forests in Central America have been destroyed to create cattle pastures. Of the Amazonian rain forest cleared in South America, more than 38 percent has been used for ranching.10 Rain forests are vital to the survival of the planet because they are the Earth's primary source of oxygen. And scientists are increasingly exploring the use of rain-forest plants in medications to treat and cure human diseases. Cattle grazing is endangering plant species in the United States, too.
Many researchers believe that vegetarianism is the only way to feed a growing human population.
A vegetarian diet is the healthiest and most humane choice for animals, people, and the planet. 18 Hearst News Service.