'But we need animal products for the vitamins and minerals they contain'

NOT!

Many people think animal products are necessary for obtaining several different vitamins and minerals that are essential for human health. They are under a misconception -- one that the meat, dairy, and egg industries are not about to soon clear up.

People need to drink cow's milk for calcium, right? Nope.
Oh but iron is only found in meat. Actually, no.
Plants don't have B12, so we for sure need animal products. Not at all true.
Protein! What about the precious nutrient that I obsess over and count grams in my sleep?! Plants can cover that too.

Calcium is a mineral. Minerals come from the ground. Therefore, cows get their calcium from the ground in the foods they eat--which, as a matter of fact, are plants--and SO CAN WE. Collard greens, broccoli, sesame seeds, almonds -- all have a healthy amount of calcium. Adult cows don't drink milk or eat any animal products, and they still get their calcium.

Iron is abundant in spinach, and, by the way, multivitamins. Never fear an iron definciency if you just take your daily multivitamin.

B12 does not form in animals or their secretions. B12 forms on bacteria. Yes, bacteria. And where does one find bacteria? Dead animals sounds rather appetizing to a few million bacterial colonies. A B-vitamin supplement sounds rather tasty right about now, doesn't it?

Protein -- the nutrient worshipped in America like some pagan idol. Please realize that your body only needs 0.4 grams of protein per pound of body weight, and more than that can cause bones to lose calcium, thus putting the protein-worshipper at a greater risk for osteoporosis.

So realize that you can turn to the Earth for the essential nutrients. And if you don't feel like eating your veggies for vitamins/minerals, a good ol' daily multivitamin has got you covered.

Calcium is a Mineral! So get it from the source (not cows)!

Great realization yesterday --

Sesame seeds (1/4 cup) has MORE CALCIUM than a cup of fortified soymilk and *shudder* cows milk. Plus protein and healthy fats.

Talk to Colleen from Compassionate Cooks and she'll remind you that calcium is a mineral, and minerals come from the ground. The only reason cow's milk has any calcium is because COWS EAT PLANTS which contain minerals! So instead of getting our calcium from cows and inflicting unnecessary and inhumane suffering upon those creatures for the pleasure of taste or in the name of 'health' (misconception!), go right to the source. Cows can get their calcium from the grounds, from the plants, and so can you!

Other good sources of calcium:

Tofu (set with calcium) -- 120 to 300 mg in 1/2 cup
Blackstrap molasses -- 187 mg in 1 TBSP.
Collard greens -- 178 mg in 1/2 cup cooked
Sesame seeds -- 176 mg in 2 TBSP.
Vegetarian baked beans -- 128 mg in 1 cup
Navy beans -- 128 mg in 1 cup
Broccoli -- 50 mg in 1/2 cup cooked
Almonds -- 50 mg in 2 TBSP.
Kale -- 47 mg in 1/2 cup