Scientists have decided whether veganism or meat eating is healthier
In a new study, nearly 1,000 scientists from around the world agreed on the issue of meat-free eating and its health benefits.
In recent decades, vegetarians, vegans, and meat eaters have been actively defending their position and trying to prove to the world that their choice is healthier. Scientists have conducted hundreds of studies on different diets, but have not been able to come to a consensus. Today, however, everything seems to have changed, The Age reports.
In a special issue of Animal Frontiers magazine, dozens of scientists expressed their opinions on meat eating and its impact on the environment and human health. In total, almost 1000 scientists from around the world signed the scientific declaration, including representatives of the universities of Cambridge, Edinburgh, Bristol, Belfast, Newcastle, Nottingham and Surrey, as well as several scientists from the leading British agricultural university Harper Adams.
In their meta-analysis, the researchers note that livestock products actually contain many nutrients and other compounds that are essential for human health. That is why animal husbandry is so important to the world and should not fall victim to the fanaticism of vegetarians and vegans.
Researchers note that the main problem with giving up meat is that the nutritional value of meat is difficult to replace. Statistics show that poorer communities with low meat consumption often suffer from stunted growth, wasting, and anemia, which are caused by a lack of protein and nutrients.
Scientists also warn that the recent trend toward plant-based foods and avoidance of meat can be harmful to health. It should be noted that in a 2020 study, researchers found that a diet high in red meat caused nearly 900,000 deaths and was the fifth most critical dietary risk factor.
However, in a new study, scientists say that unprocessed meat is the source of most of the vitamin B12 in the human diet. It also plays an important role in supplying us with retinol, omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals such as iron and zinc. In addition, meat is a source of compounds such as taurine and creatine, which are essential for the normal functioning of the digestive system.
In another study, researchers found no evidence that red meat can be dangerous to humans when consumed less than 75 grams daily. Moreover, the researchers also found that the link between red meat and the development of diseases is erased when it is part of a healthy diet.
One of the co-authors of the article, Dr. Alice Stanton of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, notes that a 2019 report claiming that eating even small amounts of red meat is harmful to health was scientifically wrong.
Thus, scientists from all over the world have agreed that the exclusion of fresh meat and dairy products from the diet will harm human health. This will have a particularly negative impact on the health of women, children, people with low incomes and the elderly.
Important: This article is based on and does not contradict the latest scientific and medical research. The text is for informational purposes only and does not contain medical advice. To establish a diagnosis, be sure to consult a doctor.
