It is becoming clear that the choice of diet made by the individual has a significant effect on health. In particular, clear differences in mortality and disease outcomes are present between those that consume a high quality diet and those that consume a low quality diet. Consuming a high quality diet is therefore recommended for those who value their health. However, controversy exists as to exactly what constitutes a high quality diet, and although some generalisations can be made, biochemical individuality does play a role in determining which foods provide optimal health. Biochemical individuality aside, research suggests that differences exist in health outcomes between those that regularly choose to consume meat and fish and those that consume neither. This relates to the different nutrient profiles of the foods including the essential and accessory nutrients they contain. A number of studies have investigated the metabolic outcomes of such diets in human subjects.
Diets containing meat and fish can be healthy diets. Avoidance of these foods such as in vegetarian or vegan diets can also produce good health. However, metabolic profiles between individuals eating these diets are evident. Differences in metabolic profiles does therefore not always relate to health risk.
For example, in one study researchers investigated metabolic profiles of adult men by measuring the circulating levels of 118 biomarkers. The men were classified according to their diet into; meat eaters, fish eaters, vegetarians and vegans. The results showed that concentrations of 79 % of the measured metabolites differed between the groups. The metabolic profiles of the vegans were the most distinct, suggesting that the absent of any animal products was the biggest determinant of a distinct metabolic profiles. Although metabolites differed between the meat, fish and vegetarian groups it is hard to draw conclusions as to whether this was associated with changes to health. Nutritional science suggests that different metabolic profiles may not necessarily affect health. Evidence suggest that health can be obtained from a diet containing meat or fish, or from a diet absent of these foods. The important component of diet is likely the avoidance of metabolic poisons such as sugar, trans fats and genetically modified foods.
Eat Well, Stay Healthy, Protect Yourself
RdB
