My most recent assignment for uni has been on the great debate between vegan and omnivore diets. Both have received positive and negative press, so after my research here are the main points that I found…

Omnivore:

+ Great for including lots of variety without having to worry too much about whether you’re getting a good variety of nutrients. If you are eating a balanced, varied diet then the chances are you are getting everything you need

+ Unlimited choice at restaurants, although vegan options are increasing there are still far more omnivore choices

– The impact on the planet of eating a lot of meat is becoming more evident. Livestock farming contributes to greenhouse gases and destroys/prevents natural ecosystems for livestock grazing

– High consumption of red meat, in particular processed meat, has been linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, certain cancers and type 2 diabetes

Vegan:

+ If you know how to get all the essential vitamins/minerals you can have a very nutrient rich diet. Studies show it is also more likely to be higher in fibre which can reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes and other health issues

+ Increased legume/pulses consumption will have a positive effect on your gut microbiota

– It can be hard to make sure you are getting all the nutrients you need, however this can be solved through research (article to come on this)

– Ultra-processed vegan foods can be advertised as ‘healthy’ but are full of sugar, salt and additives

– It can seem more expensive, but there are ways around this (article to come on this)

So both have pros and cons, a diet is a very personal thing, everyone’s motives will be different but it is worth researching any diet thoroughly and talking it through with a health practitioner to get all the details, before changing your diet. Also worth considering are the many alternative diets, such as flexitarian, pescatarian, ovo-vegetarian, vegetarian, and lacto-ovo vegetarian. All could offer the perfect balance for your needs and preferences.