Redefining Protein Quality: Integrating Health Outcomes and Environmental Impacts in the Plant-Animal Protein Debate

Summary

There is an ongoing debate about the relative merits of plant-based versus animal-based protein sources in terms of human health outcomes and environmental impacts. This viewpoint article reviews and synthesizes the current evidence comparing plant and animal protein sources on measures of human health like cardiovascular disease, cancer, and mortality risk, as well as environmental factors like greenhouse gas emissions, water use, and land requirements. Overall, greater consumption of plant protein sources like legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains is associated with reduced risks of cardiovascular diseases, some cancers, and mortality, especially compared to red and processed meats. Crucially, these health benefits align with the dramatically lower environmental footprints of plant prot