Will we die without meat?

If meat and animal products are absolutely necessary for us to live and thrive, then the whole vegan argument is moot 🙌.

Unfortunately, it looks like there are a ton of studies that show that a well-planned, fully plant-based diet is nutritionally adequate and healthy for all stages of human life, including pregnancy, childhood, and professional athletes (…so if it’s good enough for elite athletes breaking world records, it’s probably good enough for us casuals)

One of the most definitive studies evaluated a lot of other studies over the years pertaining veganism and concluded the following:

It is the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that appropriately planned vegetarian, including vegan, diets are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits for the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. These diets are appropriate for all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, adolescence, older adulthood, and for athletes. Plant-based diets are more environmentally sustainable than diets rich in animal products because they use fewer natural resources and are associated with much less environmental damage. Vegetarians and vegans are at reduced risk of certain health conditions, including ischemic heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, certain types of cancer, and obesity. Low intake of saturated fat and high intakes of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, soy products, nuts, and seeds (all rich in fiber and phytochemicals) are characteristics of vegetarian and vegan diets that produce lower total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and better serum glucose control. These factors contribute to reduction of chronic disease. Vegans need reliable sources of vitamin B-12, such as fortified foods or supplements.

If the largest organisation of food and nutrition professionals in the world says we don’t biologically need it, then eating it is a choice, not a necessity.

I don’t think you can find a flaw here either that proves humans are obligate carnivores. If you genuinely believe we biologically need meat, I would love to see the data.