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| - Last Updated on June 28, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A video on Instagram says that the human body is not meant to eat non-veg food. It claims humans should not eat meat. Our fact check termed it as False.
The Claim
An Instagram video claims that the human body is not meant to eat non-veg food. It suggests people should not eat meat.
Fact Check
What does evolutionary history say about humans eating meat?
DNA evidence from the past 300,000 years shows that humans have continually adapted to their environments. So, the idea that we need to stick to a specific diet doesn’t hold up. Just looking at our teeth helps us know that we have incisors and molars for eating plants, and canines for eating meat. This mix clearly shows that humans are meant to eat both plants and animals. Our ancestors used to eat meat, depending on their environment.
Approximately four to five million years ago, major climatic changes created open grasslands, causing significant shifts in human ancestral diets. As a result, humans developed larger brains and smaller, simpler gastrointestinal tracts, which required higher-quality foods like meat protein and fat. Cranio-dental features and fossil isotope analysis provide anthropological evidence of an increasing reliance on meat during human evolution. Recent studies of hunter-gatherer societies reveal an extreme dependence on hunted and fished animal foods for survival. Optimal foraging theory shows that wild plant foods generally offer inadequate energy returns, while large hunted animals rank highest for energy efficiency. Human evolutionary adaptations, such as poor taurine production and the inability to elongate plant fatty acids, also indicate a high reliance on meat consumption.
What does our biology tell us about eating meat?
Humans can consume various plant parts, such as seeds, fruits, vegetables, and roots. But, we cannot completely digest all of them due to the fibre-like compounds in plant cell walls (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignins). Unlike herbivores like cows and goats, which possess gut bacteria that produce cellulase to break down these fibres, humans lack this enzyme. However, our bodies do produce enzymes like protease and lipase, which efficiently digest meat. Evolutionarily, the size of an animal’s digestive tract depends on its diet and gut microbes. Carnivores have shorter digestive tracts due to their calorie-dense diets, which require less digestion time, while herbivores have longer digestive tracts to process larger quantities of less calorie-dense plants. As omnivores, humans have a gut length that falls between these extremes, allowing us to digest both meat and plants.
How does the human body digest non-vegetarian foods?
The human digestive system is a marvel of biological adaptation capable of digesting a wide range of foods, including both plant-based and animal-based sources. When we consume non-vegetarian foods like meat, fish, and poultry, our digestive enzymes, starting from saliva in the mouth to enzymes in the stomach and small intestine, work efficiently to break down proteins and fats from animal sources into amino acids and fatty acids. These nutrients are then absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed throughout the body to support various physiological functions.
How is non-veg digestion different from veg digestion?
Non-vegetarian digestion differs primarily in the breakdown of animal proteins and fats, which require specific enzymes not needed for plant-based foods. Additionally, the digestion of meat and other animal products tends to take longer due to their complexity. On the other hand, humans can quickly digest carbohydrates and fibre from plant-based sources.
Is non-veg harmful?
No, scientific research consistently shows that moderate consumption of non-vegetarian foods can be part of a healthy diet. Meat, fish, and poultry are rich sources of essential nutrients that are crucial for human health. For instance, meat is a complete protein source, providing all essential amino acids necessary for building and repairing tissues. It is also a significant source of heme iron, which is more readily absorbed by the body compared to non-heme iron found in plant foods, helping to prevent iron deficiency anaemia. Moreover, animal products like meat and fish are among the few dietary sources of vitamin B12, essential for neurological function, red blood cell production, and DNA synthesis.
However, processed meats may slightly increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Excessive meat eating is linked to a higher risk of death from any cause. Conversely, vegetarian and vegan diets consistently protect against heart disease and may also help guard against cancer, though research on the latter is mixed.
Should humans not eat meat?
It is perfectly fine to eat meat, if you prefer so, but remember to practise moderation.The notion that humans should not eat meat contradicts scientific evidence and evolutionary history. Humans are classified as omnivores, meaning our bodies have the ability to consume both plant-based and animal-based foods. While personal, cultural, and ethical considerations may influence dietary choices, there is no biological imperative that humans should exclude meat from their diets entirely. It is essential to note that you should balance meat consumption with other food groups to ensure a diverse and nutritious diet.
To add more, a plant based diet can result in the deficiency of essential nutrients like vitamin B12, creatine, vitamin D3, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, iodine, protein and iron.
What does an Ayurveda doctor say?
Dr Annusuiya Gohil, MD Scholar, All India Institute of Ayurveda, shares her opinion on what Ayurveda says about non veg food. She says, “The human body is remarkably adaptable to various dietary habits, but it has its own limitations. While humans can digest non-vegetarian food, not all types of meat are equally suitable for everyone. Goat meat, for example, is relatively lighter to digest and provides substantial energy. On the other hand, heavier meats like beef require significantly more effort for digestion, which can strain the body.”
She further informs, “Ayurveda texts provide detailed information on various non-vegetarian foods and their qualities, emphasizing the importance of understanding what suits our individual bodies. Additionally, the region we live in influences what our bodies can digest easily, highlighting the need to use our judgment in choosing the most suitable foods.”
What do the dieticians say?
Dr Swati Dave, PhD Food and Nutrition, says, “The claim that humans should not eat meat is false. Humans possess the biological capability to choose whether to include meat in their diet based on personal preference and cultural practices. However, meat constitutes a valuable source of essential nutrients crucial for optimal health. It provides high-quality protein, supporting muscle growth and repair, along with iron, vital for oxygen transport in the blood, and vitamin B12, necessary for nerve function and the formation of red blood cells. Humans are naturally omnivorous, capable of consuming both meat and plants without adverse health effects. Ultimately, dietary choices regarding what, when, and how much to eat are personal decisions that individuals can make based on their preferences and nutritional needs.”
Manasi Banduni, Sports Nutritionist, states, “It’s important to clarify that the notion humans should not eat meat is baseless. Throughout our evolutionary journey, humans have developed the capacity to derive essential nutrients from both plant-based and animal-based foods. Protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins—all critical for health—are efficiently obtained from a well-rounded diet that includes meat. Whether one chooses to include meat or opts for a vegetarian diet, the key is ensuring adequate nutrition to support overall well-being. Personal health goals and ethical considerations should guide dietary choices, rather than unsubstantiated claims about the appropriateness of meat consumption in human diets.”
What are the benefits of non-veg food for humans?
Well, choosing to eat meat or not is a personal choice. But, one should know about the health benefits of eating non-vegetarian food. Some of the advantages are:
- Protein Quality: Meat, fish, and poultry are complete protein sources, providing all essential amino acids needed for muscle growth, repair, and immune function.
- Nutrient Density: Animal products are rich in vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, which are critical for various bodily functions including metabolism, immunity, and neurological health.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for heart health, reducing inflammation, and supporting brain function.
- Heme Iron Absorption: Heme iron from animal sources is more bioavailable than non-heme iron from plant sources, making it easier for the body to absorb and utilise for optimal health.
Conclusion
The claim that humans should not eat meat is misleading and contradicts the scientific understanding of human biology and nutrition. Dietary choices are personal and influenced by various factors, including individual ethics and environmental concerns. Non-vegetarian food provides essential nutrients that contribute to overall health and well-being when consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. It is essential for individuals to make the right choices based on their nutritional needs and preferences while considering the valuable nutritional benefits that non-vegetarian food can offer. As with any dietary decision, diversity and moderation are key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, it is wise to stay away from random social media videos which propagate health misinformation without any scientific evidence.
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