Debunking the vegan myth: The case for a plant-forward omnivorous whole-foods diet

Vegan diets are widely promoted as protective against cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, removing all animal foods from a human's diet usually causes unfavorable health consequences. Our hominin ancestors began consuming meat, fish, seafood, and eggs >2 million years ago. Consequently, humans are genetically adapted to procure nutrients fromboth plant and animal sources. In contrast, veganismis without evolutionary precedent in Homo sapiens species. Strict adherence to a vegan diet causes predictable deficiencies in nutrients including vitamins B12, B2, D, niacin, iron, iodine, zinc, high-quality proteins, omega-3, and calcium. Prolonged strict veganism increases risk for bone fractures, sarcopenia, anemia, and depression. A more logical diet is a plant-forward omnivorous eating pattern that emphasizes generous consumption of natural, unprocessed foods predominantly from plants. To balance this diet, modest amounts of wholesome animal foods, such wild-caught fish/seafood, pasture-raised meat and eggs, and fermented unsweetened dairy should be consumed regularly. (c) 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

While vegan diets are often promoted as beneficial for cardiovascular health, eliminating animal foods from the diet can have negative health consequences. Our ancestors started consuming meat, fish, seafood, and eggs over 2 million years ago, and humans have genetically adapted to obtain nutrients from both plant and animal sources. Strict veganism can lead to predictable nutrient deficiencies and increase the risk of bone fractures, sarcopenia, anemia, and depression. A plant-forward omnivorous eating pattern that includes modest amounts of animal foods is a more balanced and logical approach to nutrition.