Why do certain people find eating certain products and/or animals taboo is a question Marvin Harris answers in his book, "Good to Eat: Riddles of Food and Culture". Hindus consider the cow the mother of life, and therefore sacred, Harris explains. Pork is a staple to the Chinese people, but to those of the Jewish faith, it's taboo, says Harris. Lastly, the rise of fast food restaurants made beef a favorite of Americans.