Do you think plant-based foods are really healthier than meat?
Post an Answer
Sign In to Answer
9 Answers
Stefano Bellentani
I think that the only suggestion for maintaing good health is not a plant-based diet but a diet without processed or supprocessed foods...
Dr Nick Smith
I think even the author of this paper would agree that its title is simplistic (although certainly likely to generate media interest).
Firstly, the answer depends on which animal products and plant-based alternatives we are discussing. If comparing a highly processed, high fat red meat with an unprocessed legume, then I would agree with the title. However, if comparing milk and oat milk, the nutritional and health benefits are clearly better from milk, and the environmental aspect dependent on choice of functional unit (10.3389/fnut.2022.957486). And in other cases (e.g. eggs, fish), functional alternatives are, in most parts of the world, not available.
Secondly, the quantification of healthiness is challenging. From a nutritional perspective, the animal and the alternative have quite different content and bioavailability (10.1071/AN21235). From a public health impact perspective, I would agree with the title in most cases, but not for example in vulnerable populations in LMICs, where low diversity plant-dominant diets are a driver of malnutrition.
Environmentally, it really depends upon your functional unit. Should we compare carbon, water, land use, or biodiversity? And per kg, per gram protein, per $? In most cases the author's assertion will be correct, but not in all (10.4060/cb8054en).
In general, it is better to compare diets rather than individual foods and understand that there will not be a simple X is better than Y answer. There will always be trade-offs.
Firstly, the answer depends on which animal products and plant-based alternatives we are discussing. If comparing a highly processed, high fat red meat with an unprocessed legume, then I would agree with the title. However, if comparing milk and oat milk, the nutritional and health benefits are clearly better from milk, and the environmental aspect dependent on choice of functional unit (10.3389/fnut.2022.957486). And in other cases (e.g. eggs, fish), functional alternatives are, in most parts of the world, not available.
Secondly, the quantification of healthiness is challenging. From a nutritional perspective, the animal and the alternative have quite different content and bioavailability (10.1071/AN21235). From a public health impact perspective, I would agree with the title in most cases, but not for example in vulnerable populations in LMICs, where low diversity plant-dominant diets are a driver of malnutrition.
Environmentally, it really depends upon your functional unit. Should we compare carbon, water, land use, or biodiversity? And per kg, per gram protein, per $? In most cases the author's assertion will be correct, but not in all (10.4060/cb8054en).
In general, it is better to compare diets rather than individual foods and understand that there will not be a simple X is better than Y answer. There will always be trade-offs.
Susana Santos Braga
Simply put, NO
Plant derived protein is less accessible fro theGI tract, being unsuited for people with digestive disfunctions. Plant aminoacids do not fully reproduce animal aminoacids, so defficiencies may arise. Moreover, relying on genetically modified and ultraprocessed soy as the main source of protein is unhealthy.
Plant derived protein is less accessible fro theGI tract, being unsuited for people with digestive disfunctions. Plant aminoacids do not fully reproduce animal aminoacids, so defficiencies may arise. Moreover, relying on genetically modified and ultraprocessed soy as the main source of protein is unhealthy.
Lamarana Jallow
My take is that the answer to this question is not best represented in a binary context. A purely plant based diet is not the healthiest option rather there should be a balanced with some animal based products.
The problem arises due to the net result of animal farming practices that has resulted in significant damage to the environment. Whereas the mere encouragement of plant based agriculture has the simultaneously advantageous of trapping greenhouse gases and a plethora of positive climatic modulations.
The problem arises due to the net result of animal farming practices that has resulted in significant damage to the environment. Whereas the mere encouragement of plant based agriculture has the simultaneously advantageous of trapping greenhouse gases and a plethora of positive climatic modulations.
Marilyn Barrett PhD
In a perfect world both plant and animal foods would be healthy. The problem today in the US is that commercial interests are more powerful than health interests. In many neighborhoods, processed food is more widely available than fresh foods and it is less expensive. Our meat is produced by administering the animals with hormones and antibiotics because it provides a greater profit. Processed foods also produce great profit for the companies that produce them. Our government does not offer much protection to its citizens because it is also influenced by lobbyists. Fresh, home-cooked meals are an anomaly for many. We are in a health crisis in this country.
Eating a plant-based whole food diet, that is mostly organic, seems to be, quite frankly, safer for long-term health. Providing you supplement it with vitamin B-12.
Eating a plant-based whole food diet, that is mostly organic, seems to be, quite frankly, safer for long-term health. Providing you supplement it with vitamin B-12.
Igbayilola Dimeji Yusuff, PhD
Plant-based foods are often considered healthier than meat because they have low saturated fat and cholesterol with rich fibres, antioxidants and essential nutrients that support heart health and the digestive system. Diets rich in whole plant foods such as vegetables, legumes, fruits, and whole grains have been reported to lower the risks of chronic diseases such as diabetes, certain cancers and heart disorders.
Dr. KCK
Plant based food products are healthier than meat. Because they are rich in vitamins, Fiber's, Anti-oxidants and other essential amino acids like cysteine, cystine and methionine that are link with lower cholesterol and lower risk to diabetes, heart attacked, obesity and certain cancer. but in case of meat provide complete protein, B12 and other essential nutrients. Ultimately, a balanced diet which including plant and animal based products are healthiest and most sustainable choice.
Ian James Martins
Plant based foods are more healthier than meat since they contain Sirtuin 1 activators that activate the anti-aging gene Sirtuin 1. The anti-aging gene Sirtuin 1 activation is important to the function of the immune response. Sirtuin 1 activators are required to prevent autoimmune disease and toxic reactions induced by COVID-19. In elderly individuals Sirtuin 1 levels may need to be measured to ensure that COVID-19 has not inactivated this gene that is critical to the prevention of multiple organ disease syndrome.
RELEVANT REFERENCES:
1. Anti-Aging Genes Improve Appetite Regulation and Reverse Cell Senescence and Apoptosis in Global Populations. Advances in Aging Research, 2016, 5, 9-26.
2. Single Gene Inactivation with Implications to Diabetes and Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome. J Clin Epigenet. 2017; Vol. 3 No. 3:24.
3. COVID-19 Infection and Anti-Aging Gene Inactivation. Acta Scientific Nutritional Health 4.5 (2020): 01-02.
4. COVID-19 and Cardiovascular Disease in the Global Chronic Disease Epidemic. J Clin Med Res. 2022;4(1):1-2.
5. Sirtuin 1, a Diagnostic Protein Marker and its Relevance to Chronic Disease and Therapeutic Drug Interventions”. EC Pharmacology and Toxicology 6.4 (2018): 209-215.
6. Biotherapy and the Immune System in Ageing Science. Acta Scientific Nutritional Health 2.4 (2018): 29-31
-
How can scientist get grants in human nutrition field?
Answered 07/30/25 - Browse All Pings
Juan Gonzalez, PhD