“The human appendix is a vestigial structure. A vestigial structure is a structure that has lost all or most of its original function through the process of evolution. The vermiform appendage is the shrunken remainder of the ce*** that was found in a remote ancestor of humans. Ceca, which are found in the digestive tracts of many extant herbivores, house mutualistic bacteria which help animals digest the cellulose molecules that are found in plants. As the human appendix no longer houses a significant amount of these bacteria, and humans are no longer capable of digesting more than a minimal amount of cellulose per day, the human appendix is considered a vestigial structure. So I'm afraid "sloulou" its purpose was to help us to digest vegetable matter and I would suggest that its demise would stem from the fact that meat is now a more natural part of our diet.


Fiat 128 B.Sc. Zoology and Comparative Physiology.”

“Can you provide proof that the appendix is for meat eating?”

“Cambridge123 , I think it is you that speaks nonsense try doing biology 101 you will find that the appendix which is now redundant in humans was there to help break down and process raw meat. and just because a lion eats meat, how the hell do you compare the both a lion also gives birth and so do we but can the lion send men into space etc I do not think so. they are pure meat eaters and their digestive tract is smaller but not by as much as you make out and ours is not as long as you seem to think go back to school. eat meat don't eat meat to be quite honest I do not care , what I do have issue with is when people like yourself try to push others into your way of living, where as I on the other hand would rather allow others to make their own minds up about what they eat drink etc you should try it .”

“Cambridge 123 - Have you ever heard of omnivores? Research is a wonderful thing, perhaps you would like to try it. We are indeed omnivores, a splendid species designed to consume a mixed diet of meat and two veg; usually with plenty of gravy!”

“Sloulou what is all this rubbish you speak "we are by nature meat eaters we have teeth and a digestive system that enables us to eat meat we were born that way" (the lack of abbreviation is how it was actually written).
The incisor and canine teeth that humans possess were never meant to tear through animal flesh, it has to be cooked first before it can be eaten. Our digestive system does not enable us to eat meat, we are not carnivores. The intestinal tract is the big clue here. The intestinal tract of a true carnivore (ie.a lion) is very short. Our intestinal tract is many feet (or metres) long - it is NOT the intestinal tract (the main part of our digestive system) of a carnivore. Doctor Do, try some of the latest "artificial meat" products on sale, you may like them.”

“I tried that 'artificial meat' stuff once. Unfortunately it seemed to taste like whatever I put on it and nothing else at all.

I was just wondering though, if humans are not meant to eat meat, why have we evolved with incisor and canine teeth? Surely if we're meant to live on just vegetation our teeth would be like those found in sheep and cattle?”

“More people are vegetarian now than ever before and the menu's of all good restaurants offer many varied meat-less options.
It's never been better for vegetarian diets and the major supermarkets have at long last cottoned on to the vast increase in consumer choices.
The egg industry changed from battery to free range mainly because of this increaseddemnad from vegetarians who undoubtedly hold this new found collective power.
The letter writer is quite right.”

“If I read the original letter correctly Suzanne Nixon was advocating that people ate less meat, which also falls in line with the advice you would get from your own GP.
The cultural change for everyone to eat a vegetarian diet is highly unlikely to happen as many people have limited knowledge of the vegetarian options and have only seen the meagre broccoli quiche offered by some restaurants and pubs as their vegetarian offering and as Sloulou indicates people are carnovours and enjoy meat.

The method by which the animals are killed is often not the humane way in which 'we' would like to believe. How many of the readers have been to an slaughter house and seen the fear and anxiety of the animals about to be killed? it is not a pleqasant environment.”

“And sheep cattle pigs and the like would eventually become extinct because who the hell other than a farmer and the like are going to keep these animals might I ask what do you suggest we start haveing them as pets ? no one will want these animals they are only used at present for profit so without the profit farmers and the like would not pay the costs to keep them . and we are by nature meat eaters we have teeth and a digestive system that enables us to eat meat we were born that way , while I do not condone cruelty to any animal and I do not like intensive farming and think those types of farming should be stopped. I do not have issue with anyone who wishes to avoid meat that is your choice just as it is mine and others choice to continue to eat meat .”