Why Can’t We Do Without Meat? Paganini non Ripete 291

Why Can’t We Do Without Meat? Paganini non Ripete 291

The idea that meat can be replaced by plant-based foods without compromising nutritional value, or even improving it, is spreading rapidly. But is that really the case?
This misleading belief puts not only our health but also the social and economic fabric at risk. While plant-based proteins are a valuable complement, they cannot alone guarantee a complete and balanced diet.

In PNR 291, you’ll discover why meat is essential for our health and well-being and the key factors you need to navigate this heated debate.

Why Can’t We Do Without Meat?

WHAT’S GOING ON? The debate over replacing animal proteins with plant-based alternatives is growing increasingly intense. It is fueled by ideologies promoted by health and environmental NGOs, commercial lobbies, and, surprisingly, European institutions. This trend is pushing many people, often out of imitation, to abandon meat without fully considering the consequences for both their health and the economic and social fabric.

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THE EU STRATEGY The European Union has a plan for protein transition. It should be a political project to balance protein sources and expand consumer choices. In reality, however, it seems more like a tactical move to gradually impose the replacement of animal proteins under the guise of voluntary options.

WHY CAN’T WE DO WITHOUT MEAT? Science clearly shows the fundamental role of meat in our health and well-being:

Superior Protein Quality: Meat proteins, often called “noble,” provide all essential amino acids in the ideal proportions for our metabolism. In contrast, plant-based proteins frequently lack certain essential amino acids, requiring complex food combinations to make up for these deficiencies.
Exclusive Nutrients: Heme iron (absorbed up to 20%), vitamin B12, vitamin D, zinc, and selenium are critical for the immune system, bone metabolism, and neural function. These nutrients are difficult to obtain in plant-based diets.
Key to Human Evolution: Meat has been part of human history for hundreds of thousands of years, contributing to the development of a larger brain and a more efficient metabolism. It is thanks to meat that humans could allocate more time and energy to social and technological progress.

PAGANINI NON RIPETE 289: WELCOME TO THE AGE OF PERSONALIZATION

KNOWLEDGE AS A TOOL FOR CHOICE In addition to traditional plant-based foods like legumes, soy, and whole grains, new products are emerging. These include lab-grown meat and “innovative” foods like insect flours, promoted as sustainable alternatives. These innovations represent a valuable opportunity to expand consumer options, provided they respect the health and well-being of those who consume them.

Consumers must be free to choose, but they must do so with awareness, not driven by ideology or imitation. It is essential to provide clear and impartial information, enabling critical evaluation of the nutritional, environmental, and ethical implications of these food options. Only then can truly informed and conscious choices be made that consider individual health and needs.

A MATTER OF BALANCE Meat consumption should be moderate and mindful. A balanced diet with 2–3 servings per week (350–500 g of cooked meat) supports health and is essential for maintaining it. Choosing products from sustainable supply chains further reduces environmental impact without sacrificing the nutritional benefits of a vital food source.

READ PAGANINI NON RIPETE 288: PRESENT BUT ABSENT

WHAT CAN WE DO? Promoting the indiscriminate replacement of animal proteins with plant-based ones is not just questionable—it poses a real risk to health and well-being.

Scientific Evidence Matters: Dietary choices must be guided by verified data and studies, not ideological simplifications or biases.
The Risks of Renunciation: Eliminating meat to follow trends or ideological pressures can have serious consequences for public health and individual well-being.
Freedom to Choose and Information: Consumers must be empowered to make free, informed choices based on clear, accessible, and impartial information.

Meat is not just one option among many—it is a cornerstone of a balanced diet. Choosing informed, science-based decisions is the only way to ensure a healthy and sustainable future while respecting everyone’s freedom of choice.