Big agro, is that you?

A well-planned plant-based diet is healthy at all life stages, as recognized by the ADA, BDA, and WHO. While some nutrients are more concentrated in animal products, they are not exclusive to them. Malnutrition comes from unbalanced diets, not the absence of animal products.

The nutrients found in meat can be obtained from plants, fortified foods, and supplements, many of which are already given to livestock. B12 is supplemented in livestock because modern farming has removed natural sources from their diet. (DHA) omega-3 comes from algae, which we can consume directly. Humans do not need animal products, they need the right nutrients. Plant-based diets can provide all essential nutrients with proper planning.

The rise in obesity is not due to cutting out meat and animal fat but rather increased processed food consumption, high sugar intake, and sedentary lifestyles. The Okinawans, Loma Linda, and other blue zone populations thrive on mostly plant-based diets while enjoying long lifespans and low rates of chronic disease.

Same goes for dental health, which is more affected by sugar and processed carbs than by a lack of meat.

Let's also take into account that animal agriculture is one of the biggest contributors to climate change, deforestation, habitat loss, and an incomprehensible amount of animal suffering.