In the ongoing debate about meat vs. plant-based diets, a large group of scientists is speaking up—and their message is clear: meat plays a vital role in human health and we need to stop treating it like the enemy.
Nearly 1,000 scientists from around the world have signed a declaration defending meat’s importance in our diets and calling out the “zealotry” behind efforts to push everyone toward vegan or vegetarian lifestyles.
What the Science Actually Says
This group of experts took a hard look at the claims that red meat causes disease and harms the planet. Their findings? The data just doesn’t support those claims, at least not when meat is consumed in moderation and as part of a healthy diet.
In fact, meat provides essential nutrients that are tough to replace—especially in low-income or vulnerable populations. We're talking about things like:
- Vitamin B12 (which is mostly found in animal products)
- Iron and zinc
- Retinol (a form of Vitamin A)
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- And compounds like taurine and creatine that help with energy and metabolism
Dr. Alice Stanton, from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, called earlier studies blaming red meat for poor health “fatally flawed.” She stressed that cutting meat and dairy could actually harm health, particularly for women, children, and the elderly.
Meat in Moderation Is Still Key
The NHS (UK’s public health system) agrees that red meat can be part of a balanced diet, as long as you're not eating more than 90g per day. Too much red meat, especially processed kinds, may raise the risk of bowel cancer, so moderation matters.
The researchers also criticized “one-size-fits-all” approaches to food policy. Their point? Not everyone can—or should—cut meat from their diet. Some groups, like pregnant women or older adults, need those nutrients more than others.
Livestock Isn’t Just About Food
Another big takeaway: animals raised for food also play a role in sustainable farming. They help recycle and upcycle materials that humans can’t eat, turning them into high-quality food, according to Dr. Wilhelm Windisch from the Technical University of Munich.
The Dublin Declaration, signed by scientists from major universities like Cambridge, Edinburgh, and Bristol, urges policymakers not to overlook the nutritional and agricultural value of livestock.
What This Means for You
If you’re someone who enjoys meat, this research is a reminder that it can still be part of a healthy lifestyle—especially if you focus on quality, balance, and sustainability. British farmers, for example, are proud to raise environmentally responsible beef, which was highlighted during Great British Beef Week.
At the end of the day, food choices are personal. But when it comes to health and nutrition, meat might not be the villain it’s often made out to be.
Source:
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/environment/2021/12/23/meat-eating-animals-…
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/04/16/eating-red-meat-just-day-in…
Comments