Over the weekend, I happened upon a thought-provoking podcast episode of Science vs. The topic of the week: "Vegans - Are They Right?" It struck me with fresh insights and revelations, prompting me to center this week's blog around the most remarkable discoveries from the podcast. If your curiosity is piqued, you can catch the entire episode on Spotify.

Many vegans claim veganism is better for their health and for the environment, but is it true? People seem to have very strong opinions on whether veganism is the holy grail for health or a sanctimonious diet that will make you weak. We will dive into several questions around veganism:

1. Is going vegan actually better for the environment?
2. Do you need milk for strong bones?
3. Are we meat eaters?
4. If you don’t eat meat at all, is that bad for you?

1. Is Going Vegan Better for the Environment?

The podcast discusses how research, particularly studies by Joseph Poor at the University of Oxford, suggests that avoiding meat and dairy products benefits the environment. Vegan diets generally require less land and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to omnivorous diets. Although some vegan foods like almonds and cashews can be resource-intensive, the consensus among researchers is that eliminating meat and dairy is environmentally beneficial.

2. Do You Need Milk for Strong Bones?

The podcast challenges the idea that consuming dairy, rich in calcium, equates to stronger bones. It points out that some recent research questions the straightforward relationship between milk and bone health. While traditional beliefs tout milk's importance for bone strength, new data, particularly in adults, has muddled this dogma. Studies have shown that lower milk consumption doesn't correlate with increased rates of broken bones. Alternative calcium sources like vegetables and fortified foods have emerged as viable options. However, the issue remains complex, with factors like industry influence complicating the research landscape.

3. Are we meat eaters?

The podcast explores the debate over whether humans are intended to be plant eaters or meat eaters. It points out that humans share evolutionary origins with plant-based primates and suggests that our ancestors were largely plant-based. Still, the inclusion of meat in the human diet traces back millions of years. The change was prompted by environmental factors, driving early humans to diversify their diets. Meat consumption potentially played a role in the development of human intelligence and societal advancements.

4. If You Don't Eat Meat at All, Is That Bad for You?

The podcast discusses the potential health implications of a vegan diet, highlighting some myths and important considerations. It mentions the importance of vitamin B12, typically found in animal products, and suggests that vegan diets may need B12 supplements to avoid deficiencies. Vegan diets may also need attention to other nutrients like iron and Omega-3s, which are less abundant in plant-based foods. A large-scale study tracking vegans in the United States found that vegans had a lower risk of various diseases and longer lifespans compared to meat eaters. While the exact reasons for these health benefits are not entirely clear, the podcast acknowledges that vegan diets are not automatically healthy, as there are vegan junk foods that are not nutritious.

Conclusion

The overall conclusion is that, on average, adopting a vegan diet is beneficial for both health and the environment. Reducing animal product consumption can also offer advantages, and small dietary changes can make a difference for personal health, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare.