Meat-free benefits
MURARI Barrera claims he has the secret to everlasting youth.
The 54-year-old said he started defying the ageing process 34 years ago when he swapped meat for leafy greens.
Today, Mr Barrera credits his youthful looks to his vegetarian diet.
"I look a lot younger than all of my meat-eating friends," he said.
When they see me they always say 'wow you haven't changed one bit'.
"I also still feel very young."
However, Mr Berrara, who is also a Hari Krishna and the owner of the vegetarian restaurant - Gopal's Pure Vegetarian - at Sherwood said he left meat behind for a love of animals.
"I don't want to hurt any living creature - not even a mosquito," he said.
"They all have feelings."
Mr Berrara is encouraging south-west residents to try being vegetarian for seven days during Meat Free Week on March 18-24.
The week aims to raise awareness of factory farming - a large-scale industrial operation that raises animals for meat (and other animal products such as eggs and milk) as if they're machinery.
Meat Free Week co-founder Lainie Bracher said residents needed to consider the impact of excessive meat consumption on animal welfare, the environment and health.
"We know it's a big ask to cut back something you love to eat, but when people know the facts, we're confident they'll commit to eating less meat and make the choice to buy ethically produced meat," she said.
For more information visit www.meatfreeweek.com.
