First of all, the teeth of true carnivores & meat-oriented omnivores are spaced so as not to trap stringy debris. Their incisors are short, pointed and prong-like for grasping and shredding, their canines are greatly elongated and dagger-like for killing and tearing prey, and their molars are flattened with jagged edges to function like serrated-edged blades. In marked contrast, we humans (like most herbivores & all frugavores) have incisors that are broad, flattened and spade-like, canines that are relatively small, and a diverse array of molars ideally suited for grinding plants and nuts. Like most other plant-eaters, we humans have teeth that are closely grouped and jaw muscles that are designed to use those teeth to meticulously chew our food in order to ensure that it thoroughly mixes with our saliva — saliva which, unlike in carnivorous & omnivorous meat-eaters, contains carbohydrate-digesting enzymes which break down plant-based food molecules while our food is still in our mouths.

Of course, dispelling this myth doesn’t need to be so complicated … Short & sweet is often the best way to destroy delusions, so if any of you sincerely insist on arguing that we humans are obligate meat-consuming omnivores and are therefore designed to eat meat (Hint: we aren’t … see Myth #74 that follows) — then please consider the very simple wisdom of Olli Brander when he stated the very obvious:

“The existence of your teeth isn’t forcing you to support the meat industry any more than the existence of your hands is forcing you to strangle your neighbors.”

 

Current status of this Myth: Undermined
Justification it provides for eating animals: NONE

Filed under: Minimizing the Myths of Meat by Scaughdt