Part 9/15:
However, they recognize individual variability: some people benefit from including small quantities of animal products, while others thrive vegetarian or vegan diets—provided they supplement appropriately with B12, vitamin D, omega-3s, and other nutrients often deficient in plant-only diets.
The Evidence on Meat, Red Meat, and Cancer
One of the most contentious topics involves red and processed meats’ perceived carcinogenicity. The World Health Organization’s classification of processed meats as carcinogens (with an 18% increased risk of colorectal cancer) is acknowledged but contextualized: the risk increase is modest (roughly from 4.5 to 5.3 cases per 100), and confounding factors—such as smoking, lifestyle, or overall diet—are significant.