The bottom line of nutritional health suggests that there are no nutrients in animal-based foods that are not better obtained by plant-based foods. Nutrients are in essence the protein, fats, and carbohydrates we consume, and the vitamins and minerals naturally present amongst them.
Plant based foods:
- Can contain more protein than steak and animal based sources.
- Are made up of many complex carbohydrates that help process simple carbohydrates (e.g. refined, isolated sugar molecules) and are necessary for good health.
- Provide the only means of consuming dietary fiber, a very complex carbohydrate that absorbs bacteria, binds unwanted chemicals, and is a very important component in the final stage of our digestion.
- Contain unsaturated healthy fats that get metabolized and used as energy.
- Are the only sources of anti-oxidants, important vitamins that control oxidization and the acidity of our internal environment as well as manage free radicals.
Animal based foods:
- Protein is proven to create tumors and fertilize carcinogens when consumed in excess of 10% of total calories. (High levels of plant-based protein have been proven to lower blood cholesterol and prevent, halt, even reverse disease production).
- Contain cholesterol, non-essential and heart disease, cancer, diabetes, etc. are tied above all to high blood cholesterol levels.
- Are the only sources of saturated fats that solidify at room temperature and cause weight gain as well as many other health problems.
- Only source of nutrients are from the plants the animal had consumed.
A plant-based diet, unlike veganism, suggests that the basis of your diet is whole, natural, plant derived foods.