Meat-eatersare happier. A recent study of high scientific quality confirms what had already been revealed by previous research.
Meat-eaters suffer less anxiety and depression than vegans and vegetarians. A meta-analysis examined the effects of meat consumption on mental health, revealing significant differences between those mental health and those who don’t.
In parallel with increased mental disorders, vegetarianism and veganism became prevalent worldwide. Studies have investigated this report given the well-known positive effect of meat on appositive mood. Previous systematic reviews had already detected much lower rates of mental health problems in meat-eaters. With this new meta-analytical review, the strength of this report has been examined, providing a comprehensive quantitative assessment of high scientific quality.
Out of a total of 171,802 participants with 157,778 meat-eaters and 13,259 abstaining totally from its consumption, it emerged that vegans and vegetarians are significantly much more depressed and anxious. Especially in vegans, depression levels are very high, with an increased tendency to self-harm and suicide. In addition, in both groups that exclude meat entirely from the diet, a greater likelihood of drugs prescribed for mental problems has been found.
A recent study of high scientific quality confirms: #meat-eaters suffer less #anxiety and depression than #vegans and #vegetarians. Click To Tweet
The meta-analysis has also shown that the more rigorous the study is, the more positive and consistent is the relationship between meat consumption and a greater sense of well-being. Meat-eaters have better moods, less perception of stress, and a higher quality of life, as what we eat has a significant influence on our psyche. This study finally provides reliable quantitative evidence on the relationship between diet and mental health.
The conclusions also refer to the past studies of poor scientific quality that put meat in a bad light due to severe methodological errors, wrong design and distorted and selective sampling strategies. Many of these studies that show the superiority of the vegan diet has recruited samples from vegan and vegetarian websites, social network groups, restaurants, and vegan communities. This creates a falsified data collection that leads to unreliable results, especially if solid ideologies towards eating behaviours emotionally drive participants.
That is why all the newer and scientifically superior studies show that meat is not the cause of pathologies, even in higher doses than recommended. Meat has a proven beneficial active role in a good mood, effectively helping to ward off anxiety and depression. Policymakers and medical communities should be aware of these conclusions to direct future research and re-evaluate unjustly blamed nutritious food. These findings are not the first to show that a restrictive diet can threaten good mental health and are also crucial for updating clinical practice in treating mental disorders.
FAQs
Eight of the 13 studies demonstrated no differences between the groups on positive psychological functioning, three studies showed mixed results, and two studies showed that compared to meat abstainers, meat consumers had greater self-esteem, “positive mental health”, and “meaning in life”.
Are meat eaters happier than vegans? ›
Meat-eaters suffer less anxiety and depression than vegans and vegetarians. A meta-analysis examined the effects of meat consumption on mental health, revealing significant differences between those mental health and those who don't.
Are meat eaters less empathetic? ›
In particular, individuals with higher levels of moral disengagement in meat consumption also tend to show lower levels of general empathy, experience less self-evaluative emotional reactions (i.e. guilt and shame) when considering the impact of meat consumption, endorse group-based discrimination within humans (social ...
What are the arguments for meat eaters? ›
Meat is an essential source of nutrients and calories for a large part of the human population, and this in itself is one major argument for meat-eating. Meat is a ready source of protein, Vitamin B-12, fat, iron, zinc, and many more essential nutrients that the human body needs to survive.
Why do I feel happy when I eat meat? ›
Meats contain compounds that increase production of dopamine, a so-called “happy hormone” that elevates mood. But hope's not lost for vegetarians: Regular exercise has the same effect, study co-author Lina Begdache tells The Post.
Is meat good for you yes or no? ›
Meat and poultry contain protein, which is important for growth and development, and other nutrients your body needs, such as iodine, iron, zinc and vitamin B12. Avoid processed meats to minimise your intake of salt and saturated fat. Choose lean cuts of meat and poultry, and follow the recommended serving size.
Why is it better to be a meat eater? ›
MEAT AIDS IN BONE STRENGTH
Protein from eating meat helps with bone strength as well. The intake of protein creates a lower risk of osteoporosis. Research shows that bone density will increase with a higher protein intake. The amino acids previously discussed also come into play for strength building in the bones.
Do vegans live longer than meat? ›
While there is some scientific research to suggest that going vegan and eating less animal protein can help to prevent diseases, the evidence is still lacking in terms of cold, hard numbers on longevity in particular. However, this doesn't mean that a vegan diet won't help you live longer.
Which is healthier vegan or meat eater? ›
Vegetarians and vegans typically have lower body mass index, serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and blood pressure than comparable regular meat-eaters, as well as lower bone mineral density.
Is it smart to not eat meat? ›
And people who don't eat meat, called vegetarians, generally eat fewer calories and less fat. They also tend to weigh less. And they have a lower risk of heart disease than nonvegetarians do. Research shows that people who eat red meat are at a higher risk of death from heart disease, stroke or diabetes.
The carnivore diet eliminates all foods except meat and animal products. Thus, it's low in vitamin c, folate, has no fiber, and is difficult to maintain. You should follow a well-rounded diet instead.
Does eating meat change your mood? ›
The reason that meat may be affecting our mental health is because it contains high amounts of the fatty acid Omega 6. Large amounts of Omega 6 can cause problems like depression and bipolar disorder, among others. By cutting meat from your diet, you reduce excess Omega 6 intake and can enjoy a boost to your mood.
What are the pros and cons of eating meat? ›
It's a rich source of protein, which provides health benefits for the body. Yet, processed meats are linked to cancer, with colorectal cancer research revealing the most compelling evidence. And processing and cooking meat at high temperatures has been associated with the production of cancer-causing chemicals.
Why is it okay to eat meat morally? ›
In Our Moral Duty to Eat Meat, which was published by Cambridge University Press, Zangwill argues that the existence of domesticated animals depends on the practice of eating them, and that meat eating has historically benefitted many millions of animals and given them good lives.
What is the strongest argument for eating meat? ›
The nutritional value of meat remains a very strong argument in favour of eating meat because plant-based alternatives cannot provide the same nutrient value or bioavailability of nutrients. This may change in future if alternative protein sources improve.
Can eating meat make you feel better? ›
MEAT AIDS IN BRAIN FUNCTION
You are in control of how you feel with what you eat. The consumption of protein offers a boost in mood and energy levels, as well as helping the brain fight that foggy feeling. Eating protein can also improve your ability to concentrate.
Does eating meat affect your mood? ›
Of the remaining 7 studies, three showed that vegetarians had better mood or mental health symptoms than meat eaters, and the other four had mixed results. The researchers concluded that there is "clear evidence that meat-abstention is associated with higher rates or risk of depression, anxiety, and self-harm."
Do you feel better if you stop eating meat? ›
Eating a diet with no or limited meat may benefit your health and the environment. Cutting back on meat and eating a predominantly plant-based diet may help with weight management, protect against heart disease and certain cancers, and support a healthy gut.
Does meat affect personality? ›
Prior research suggests that personality traits are associated with meat consumption. However, this association is not uniform across all types of meat. For instance, Big Five personality traits such as openness and agreeableness are negatively associated with red meat consumption but positively associated with fish.
