Plant Futures Screens “Should I Eat Meat?” Documentary

On Wednesday, September 11, Plant Futures at Duke Kunshan University hosted a screening of the BBC documentary “Should I Eat Meat?” presented by Dr. Michael Mosley. We were thrilled to see an unexpected number of attendees join us for this eye-opening film! 🎥🍿

About Michael Mosley 🕊️

Michael Mosley, who sadly passed away on June 5, 2024, was a renowned British journalist, producer, and presenter famous for his documentaries on science, medicine, and health. Originally trained as a doctor, Mosley transitioned to television, where he skillfully combined meticulous research with engaging storytelling.

Key Takeaways

Meat’s Nutritional Benefits 🥩

Red meat is an excellent source of high-quality protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. However, plant-based diets can also provide these nutrients if carefully planned.

Health Risks of Red and Processed Meats 🚨

Studies highlight significant health risks associated with regular consumption of red and processed meats, including increased risk of heart disease, certain cancers, and premature mortality.

The Conflicting Evidence Around Red Meat Consumption ❓

While some studies suggest even moderate consumption of red meat could slightly increase health risks, others found no significant effect on mortality when consumed in low to moderate amounts.

Michael Mosley’s Experiment and Results 🧪

Mosley adopted a high-meat diet, doubling the advised daily intake. Within a month, his cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and body fat all increased significantly.

A Balanced, Predominantly Plant-Based Approach 🌿

Experts recommend a diet that is mostly plant-based, with moderate consumption of lean, unprocessed meats. A few portions of lean meat per week (up to 100 grams each) can be part of a healthy diet, balanced with a variety of plant-based foods.

Our Opinion: Updated Insights on Plant-Based Nutrition 🌱

While this documentary was produced in 2014, nutrition science has continued to evolve. Today, there is a consensus among nutrition scientists that “well-planned vegan diets can support healthy living in people of all ages”. The only exceptions are iron and B12, which require careful consideration.

Iron Supplementation

For those following a vegan diet, iron supplementation is crucial:

• Plant-based sources include leafy greens, legumes, and fortified cereals
• Studies that vegetarians, particularly females, have a higher prevalence of iron deficiency and depleted iron stores compared to non-vegetarians.

B12 Supplements

B12 supplementation is essential for vegans:

• B12 is not easily found in plant-based foods in sufficient amounts
• Even the B12 found in animal meat often comes from supplements given to animals
• The recommended daily intake of B12 for adults under the age of 65 is 50 mcg per day and 1,000 mcg for those over 65.

It’s worth noting that animals do not naturally produce B12 any more than humans do. Therefore, taking a direct B12 supplement as a human is equally effective and environmentally more sustainable.

What’s Next? 🤔

For those interested in a more comprehensive and updated guide to nutrition, we highly recommend Dr. Michael Greger’s book “How Not To Die”. It provides detailed information on how a plant-based diet can help prevent and reverse many chronic diseases and is a great resource for anyone looking to improve their dietary habits with the latest scientific research.

We are currently running a (very loosely) organized [book club]({% link _posts/2024-08-26-how-not-to-die-intro.markdown %}) on it. Join us to explore the latest findings in nutrition science and plant-based eating!