Ask Dr. Nick
On today’s episode, Dr. Nick talks about the problems with limiting or eliminating livestock production. Many in the plant-based community talk about why eating meat is bad for human health and the environment, but there is often a lack of evidence for both. Only association studies correlate meat eating to poor health outcomes, but other variables like smoking, exercise, and eating ultra processed foods are not considered. Saturated fat and cholesterol has been demonized for many years based on misinterpreted and poorly-reported research along with a misunderstanding of human physiology. Rather, animal products contain more nutrients and less anti-nutrients than plant foods, which will help prevent insufficiencies in the body. At the same time, conventional farming practices may increase greenhouse gasses, but not to the level of transportation or electricity. Also, regenerative grazing can actually help remove greenhouse gasses from the air and put carbon back into the soil to save the environment. Check out the video for more in depth information on how raising and eating livestock is not the problem but the solution!
Leroy F, Abraini F, Beal T, et al. Animal board invited review: Animal source foods in healthy, sustainable, and ethical diets – An argument against drastic limitation of livestock in the food system. Animal. 2022;16(3):100457.
