Nutrition: Constant Shifts In Recent Times Between Animal And Plant Sources

The world has forever been looking for alternatives that provide nutrition and are sustainable. Standing at the crossroads of adulthood, the youth are more conscious about their health and physique. Diet plays an integral role in shaping the body and providing the required nutrients. A change in diet can also cure many diseases. It is the nutrients in the diet that exhibit various roles, from bodybuilding to daily functions, and an absence of these nutrients can give rise to medical problems that can be prevented in the first place.

Broadly speaking, the world has been debating choosing between animal and plant food sources. Some populations are currently seeking plant-based alternatives, while others are sticking to animal-based diets for nutrition. Many other factors, like climate change, environmental safety, etc have been contributing to constant shifts between the two.

What Are Animal And Plant-Based Diets?

A meat-based diet implies the consumption of animal meat, which is supposed to provide the highest protein content. The regular animal-based diet is composed of meat, followed by a lesser quantity of other components. Over the years, researchers have backed up the consumption of meat due to its several benefits; however, the focus must be on maintaining a balanced diet.

The plant-based diet includes various nutrients in different amounts, but it is often the richest in fibre and phytonutrients. Also known as the vegetarian diet, the plant-based diet excludes food products obtained from animals. A vegetarian diet is divided into four varieties:

• Semi-vegetarian or flexitarian diet in which animal products like meat, poultry, and seafood are occasionally consumed
• A pescatarian diet includes fish and sea fish, along with dairy foods, but no meat or poultry.
• A lacto-ovo vegetarian diet means the consumption of dairy foods but no meat, fish, or other forms of meat. This is the most common vegetarian diet in India.
• A vegan diet includes only plant products and excludes even dairy products.

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What Could Be The Possible Downside Of The Two Diets?

Animal-Based Nutrition

Nutrition from animal products is high; however, one must consider the negative impacts of consuming meat or other animal products. There is a standard consumption portion of meat, anything above that can cause gastrointestinal problems. Processed meat with a high fat content can increase cholesterol levels and the chances of bowel cancer. The storage, cooking, and preparation of animal products also needs proper attention; otherwise, contamination may result in infection.

Plant-Based Nutrition

Some nutrients, like vitamin B12, iron, etc., are more abundant in animal products and readily absorbed in the body as compared to plant-based diets. The protein sources are limited, and thus protein deficiency is very common.

Strictly adhering to vegan diets disrupts the body’s functioning as the body might not be used to sudden deficiency of dairy and proteins. This can lead to hormone imbalance, anaemia, low energy, and depression because of the lack of omega-3 fatty acids.

Going vegan or relying only on plant-based diets for nutrition can be more expensive, as some nutrients that could only be obtained from animals are taken via supplements. One may have to include exotic foods to keep up with the deficiencies caused by a lack of animal-based products.

Why Are People Concerned About Their Diet?

People are more concerned about their physique and health; therefore, they are drawn towards a diet that can supply maximum nutrition. The concern around adulterated and substandard food quality is a real problem, due to which people are more careful about eating a clean diet.

Though a plant-based diet is clean and promotes reduced risks of various diseases, the energy and protein supply are lower. Individuals, especially gym enthusiasts, gravitate towards an animal-based diet to fulfil their daily energy and protein requirements. Certain nutrients that can only be provided via animal products make them more common among certain populations.

There are many reasons why one should choose a plant-based diet over an animal-based diet; ranging from environmental harm to stopping animal killing. Environmentalists and animal lovers are going vegan or vegetarian to show their love for nature and animals.

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Is One Diet Superior To Another In Terms Of Nutrition?

Individuals must be aware of what their diet entails and whether it provides the required nutrition or not. Both diets have their pros and cons, so neither of them is completely balanced. The concept of a balanced diet has been taught for a long time to educate people about the intake of all the necessary nutrients.

While a plant-based diet is clean with little to no side effects, the authentic plant-based diet also excludes dairy products, due to which the nutrition is reduced and it is tough to find supplements. With limited options, an individual may also not be sure about the chemical fertiliser or pesticide content or the freshness. The use of technologies to keep vegetables fresh or grow them artificially is on the rise, raising the question of authentication and clean nutrition.

An animal-based diet does not exclude plants; therefore, in some sort, it includes all the nutrition if a balanced diet is taken. The nutrition is easy, as the options aren’t limited and range from plants and dairy to meat and seafood. However, animal products are susceptible to contamination and thus require careful storage, freezing, cooking, and more.

Shifting solely to a carnivore diet is not advisable, as researchers have concluded it can cause diseases like scurvy due to the absence of vitamins and minerals. Fibre intake is also compromised on a restrictive carnivore diet.

Therefore, people must not blindly follow one or the other diet as proposed and followed by others because the nutritional requirements of every person can be different. Considering their body requirements and health benefits, a person must strive towards maintaining balance and minimising the suffering that could come from strictly depending on one source.

This article is not a piece of medical advice and does not promote the consumption of one diet over another. It is advisable to follow what suits you and your body the best!

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