There are several potential benefits to consuming animal-based foods, including:
Nutritional value: Animal-based foods, such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy, are rich in important nutrients like protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. These nutrients are essential for maintaining good health and are particularly important for growth and development in children and adolescents.
Satiety: Animal-based foods are generally considered to be more satisfying and filling than plant-based foods, which can help with weight management.
Easier to digest: Animal-based foods are generally easier to digest than plant-based foods, which can be beneficial for people with digestive issues.
Taste: for some people, animal based foods are more appealing and taste better than plant based food.
Traditional and cultural context: Many cultures have traditional dishes that are based on animal-based foods, and for some people, consuming these dishes is an important part of maintaining their cultural identity.
Muscle building: Animal-based foods, such as meat and fish, are rich in high-quality protein, which is important for building and maintaining muscle mass. This can be especially beneficial for athletes and bodybuilders.
Brain development: The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, such as salmon and sardines, are important for brain development and function. These fatty acids have been linked to improved cognitive function and a reduced risk of neurological disorders.
Bone health: Animal-based foods, particularly dairy products, are rich in calcium, which is important for maintaining strong bones and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
Iron: Animal-based foods, especially red meat, are good sources of iron, which is important for carrying oxygen to the cells in our body. Iron deficiency can cause fatigue and weakness.
Vitamin D: Animal-based foods such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and certain types of mushrooms contain vitamin D, which is essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to a range of health problems, including osteoporosis and rickets.
Convenience: Animal-based foods are generally easier to store and prepare than plant-based foods. For example, meat and fish can be frozen for long periods of time, whereas fruits and vegetables are typically perishable. This makes animal-based foods a convenient option for people who have busy lifestyles or limited access to fresh produce.
Energy source: Animal-based foods are rich in calories and can provide a quick source of energy. This is especially important for people who engage in physically demanding activities, such as athletes and manual laborers.
Taste preference: Some people simply prefer the taste of animal-based foods over plant-based foods. Eating food that we enjoy can have positive effects on our overall well-being and can also help with adhering to a diet.
Absorption of fat-soluble vitamins: Animal-based foods, such as meat and dairy, contain fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K, which are not found in plant-based foods in large amounts. These vitamins are important for maintaining good health and are best absorbed when consumed in the presence of dietary fat.
Traditional Food culture: For many cultures, animal-based foods play a central role in traditional diets and are often associated with important cultural and religious ceremonies. In some cases, these foods are considered to be sacred and are believed to have spiritual and medicinal properties.
Food Security: Animal-based foods can be an important source of food security in regions where access to plant-based foods is limited. Animal-based foods can provide a reliable source of protein and other nutrients in these areas, which can be difficult to obtain through plant-based foods alone.
Food safety: Meat, eggs, and dairy products can be carriers of harmful bacteria and viruses if not handled and cooked properly, it's important to follow guidelines on safe food preparation and storage.
It's important to note that it's not necessary to rely solely on animal-based foods to obtain all the nutrition, some of the nutrients can be obtained from plant-based sources as well. A balanced and varied diet with a moderate amount of animal-based foods can provide the benefits. Additionally, the way the animal based food is produced and sourced, such as organic and free-range, also impacts the nutritional value and ethical considerations of the food.