The debate between plant-based and animal-based nutrition is one of the most polarizing discussions in health and wellness. Both camps claim their diet is the best for human health, longevity, and the planet. However, the reality is far more complex. Human health optimization is a multifactorial problem, with no universal solution. Instead of a single global optimum, there are likely many local optima—each suited to different environments, genetics, and lifestyles.

The Role of Environment and Adaptation

Humans are remarkably adaptable. Historically, our diets have evolved based on geography, climate, and food availability. For example, the Inuit in Alaska thrive on a diet rich in marine animal fats and proteins, with virtually no plant-based foods. Meanwhile, in the deserts of Kazakhstan, the diet is similarly meat-heavy, reflecting what’s available in an extreme environment. Conversely, in tropical regions with year-round access to fruits, vegetables, and grains, diets tend to be more plant-based.

The concept of an “optimal diet” must take these factors into account. What works for someone in a coastal Mediterranean village may be unsuitable for someone living in the Arctic tundra.

The Abundance and Paradox of Modern Food

Science and technology have drastically transformed our food landscape. In many parts of the world, we now have year-round access to an unprecedented variety of foods. This abundance is both a blessing and a challenge. Some once-rare foods—such as exotic fruits or specialty grains—are now widely available but often expensive. Meanwhile, heavily processed and calorie-dense foods have become cheap and ubiquitous, contributing to rising rates of chronic disease.

For example, studies show that highly processed foods are associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.¹ Meanwhile, traditional diets rich in minimally processed foods—whether plant- or animal-based—are consistently linked to better health outcomes.² Yet, affordability and access often determine what people eat more than health considerations.

Toward a Balanced Perspective

Rather than framing nutrition as a black-and-white issue, it may be more helpful to acknowledge that there are multiple ways to achieve good health. The “optimal diet” for one person might be plant-heavy, while for another, it could include a significant amount of animal-based foods. Personal preferences, cultural traditions, and individual health conditions all play a role.

The key lies in focusing on whole, minimally processed foods—regardless of whether they are plant- or animal-based—and avoiding the extremes that dominate the conversation.

The dispute between plant-based and animal-based nutrition is unlikely to be settled definitively because there is no single answer. There are only individual solutions shaped by local environments, personal circumstances, and evolving scientific knowledge. What we can agree on is the need for balance, flexibility, and a focus on nutrient-dense foods that support human health—no matter where they come from.

References

• Monteiro, C. A., et al. (2018). Ultra-processed foods: what they are and how to identify them. Public Health Nutrition.Willett, W. C., et al. (2019).
• Food in the Anthropocene: the EAT-Lancet Commission on healthy diets from sustainable food systems. The Lancet.