Is Meat Essential to a Healthy Adult Diet? Why or Why Not? Part Two

If you haven’t had a chance to read Part One, I recommend checking it out before diving into this post. That’s where I share my response to the “why or why not”—a perspective shaped by over 20 years of both personal and professional experience. It provides helpful context for what I’ll be exploring here in Part Two.

Part One: https://www.divineholisticnutrition.com/post/is-meat-essential-to-a-healthy-adult-diet-why-or-why-not

Although I no longer have access to the books I once had—that were revolutionary in my personal argument on why I feel meat is NOT essential to a healthy adult diet - the following are from a few online sources to support my point of view.

On nutritionalstudies.org, the author, Frank Dixon, makes several references from his book “Sustainable Food Production and Diet (Global System Change)” and from “The China Study” by Dr. T. Colin Campbell. The article explains how humans are anatomical herbivores, not omnivores, and allows the observable facts of our anatomical features speak for themselves. For instance, herbivores (like humans) “have relatively small mouth openings and jaw joints” which “makes our jaws much weaker and therefore less effective for capturing and killing prey.” He mentions our short and blunt canines. He brings up our narrow esophagus, and how its best suited for swallowing small, soft, and thoroughly chewed food. He makes the point of our smaller stomachs and longer small intestines. In summary, he states that “humans’ mouths, jaws, teeth, throats, and digestive systems have not evolved to capture, kill, tear, swallow, and digest animals.”

Again, although this explains why it may be wise to eat less meat and more vegetables—especially as we age and do not need as much protein, and may not have the same digestive power we once had—I feel it can make a person feel like it is the only and best way. Whereas, less is more and quality over quantity may be a gentler approach on the psyche and allow someone to “feel” for themselves.

According to an online article on health.harvard.edu, “an estimated 2.5 million of those ages 55 and older have abandoned red meat and poultry in favor of a predominantly plant-based diet.” They go on to mention the importance of using “a little creativity to ensure you get enough protein, calcium, iron, and vitamin B12.” I do believe that creativity goes a long way.

In a different article, health.harvard.edu, mentions how “the evidence continues to mount that a plant-based diet—rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy plant oils—may help reduce the risk of male health concerns, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. They also make sure to state that “fresh fruits and vegetables are a no-brainer for adopting a plant-based diet, but don't neglect nuts, seeds, and legumes.”

In a world where we have been sooo conditioned to the illusion of variety, I feel this is an important point; making sure we are mindful of our choices and meeting our daily quota of nutrients rather than meals.

A research article’s findings presented on journals.plos.org, states that “the largest gains would be made by eating more legumes, whole grains and nuts, and less red and processed meat.” They go on to mention that “understanding the relative health potential of different food groups could enable people to make feasible and significant health gains.”

The writer and registered dietitian nutritionist behind plantpoweredyou.com, states that “the average modern human can survive without meat. However, they should keep certain nutrient needs in mind!”

Just more reminders that no matter what we choose is right for us, the key to health lies in the constituents. More reason to go organic and make it whole. 😊

Thanks for reading!

Online Sources Cited and Utilized:

• https://nutritionstudies.org/are-humans-herbivores-or-omnivores/

• https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/is-a-vegetarian-or-vegan-diet-for-you

• https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/plant-based-diet-nuts-seeds-and-legumes-can-help-get-you-there 

• Fadnes LT, Okland JM, Haaland OA, Johansson KA. “Estimating impact of food choices on life expectancy: A modeling study.” PLOS Medicine 19(3): e1003962. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1003962 Accessed February 8, 2022.

• https://plantpoweredyou.com/can-humans-survive-without-meat/