Meat is irreplaceable for health and evolution – HuffPost
HuffPost published my comment on the consequences of replacing meat in diets with plant-based proteins, highlighting the nutritional risks and the economic and social implications.
Read the full article here on the HuffPost >>>
Meat is irreplaceable for health and evolution
The idea that meat can be replaced by plant-based proteins to improve nutritional intake is becoming widespread, but it is fundamentally flawed. Meat is an irreplaceable component of a complete and balanced diet, essential for human health and cognitive development.
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Meat proteins, thanks to their unique amino acid profile, provide all essential amino acids in the correct proportions to support metabolism, muscle growth, and cell repair. In contrast, plant-based proteins, while a valid complement, require complex dietary combinations to compensate for their deficiencies. An exclusively plant-based diet can lead to significant nutritional deficits, which are particularly harmful for children, pregnant women, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups.
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Beyond proteins, meat is a vital source of nutrients like heme iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, zinc, and selenium, which are difficult to obtain in sufficient amounts from a plant-only diet. These nutrients play crucial roles, from muscle growth to cognitive, immune, and metabolic functions.
Historically, meat has played a pivotal role in human evolution, contributing to the process of encephalization due to its energy density and nutrient bioavailability. The discovery of fire, which made cooking meat possible, further enhanced its digestibility and nutritional value.
Promoting an indiscriminate replacement of meat with plant-based proteins, often driven by ideological reasons, overlooks scientific evidence and jeopardizes public health. Instead, moderate meat consumption, sourced from sustainable and responsible supply chains, should be encouraged to maintain a balanced diet and preserve both individual and collective well-being.
Dietary choices must be guided by science and rational understanding rather than trends or emotional simplifications. Meat remains a cornerstone of a healthy, balanced diet and is crucial for supporting human health, vitality, and development. Ignoring its role can have serious repercussions for nutrition and public health.
Meat is irreplaceable for health and evolution – HuffPost
