Summary
- The review of reviews on health effects of animal foods versus plant foods showed that whole plant foods are protective or neutral, whereas animal-based foods had deleterious health effects.
- Plant foods consistently rated well, while animal foods varied considerably in terms of health effects.
- Poultry consumption did not show any protective effects, while fish had healthful components like omega-3 fatty acids but did not show benefits for heart health.
- Overall, whole plant foods are not bad for diet-related diseases, while most reviews on animal products show them to be not good.
- The evidence suggests that plant-based foods are better for health compared to animal-based foods when it comes to diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes, mental health, bone health, cardiovascular disease, and cancers.
When it comes to the health effects of the foods we eat, a new review of reviews has some interesting findings. Instead of looking at individual studies, this review looked at summaries of multiple studies to get a big-picture view of how different foods impact our health.
Plant-Based Foods vs. Animal-Based Foods
The review divided foods into two categories: plant-based and animal-based. The results showed that reviews on whole plant foods generally found protective or neutral effects on health. On the other hand, most reviews of animal-based foods identified negative health effects or, at best, neutral effects.
Plant Foods Shine
Plant foods consistently rated well in the review, showing positive effects on health. Meanwhile, animal foods had more mixed results, with the exception of dairy and fish. Without these two categories, animal foods showed mostly neutral or negative effects on health.
Poultry and Eggs
Surprisingly, not a single review found any protective effects of poultry consumption. Even the soda industry found some protective effects, but chicken and eggs received low ratings in terms of health benefits.
Omega-3 Fats
Fish is known for its omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain health. However, studies have shown that plant-based sources of omega-3s, like flaxseeds and walnuts, may be just as protective for our health.
Overall Findings
When it comes to diet-related diseases like obesity, diabetes, mental health, heart health, and cancers, the majority of study compilations show that whole plant foods are at least not harmful. On the other hand, most reviews on animal products reveal negative health effects.
Conclusion
The review of reviews provides valuable insights into the health effects of different types of foods. Plant-based foods generally show positive effects on health, while animal-based foods may have more negative consequences. It’s important to consider these findings when making choices about what to eat for overall health and well-being.
For more information on specific foods like eggs, fish, and poultry, be sure to check out related articles on our website. Stay informed about the latest research on nutrition and make choices that support your health and longevity.
Nutrition, Dietetics, Public Health & Prevention