Vegetarianism and Plant Foods

Vegetarianism and veganism are very popular these days—promoted with claims that a diet without animal foods will make you heathier and save the planet. But vegetarianism and especially veganism practiced over the long term can lead to serious nutrient deficiencies; and animal agriculture, properly carried out, can heal our soil from the depletion that happens when growing grains and other plant foods.

None of the healthy people studied by Dr. Price followed a vegan or even a vegetarian diet—all consumed animal foods, often going to great trouble and risk to obtain them. They especially valued certain nutrient-dense animal foods such as organ meats and animal fats to ensure healthy children.

As this chart shows, it is the animal foods, especially organ meats like liver, that provide the most nutrients. Plant foods like grains, beans, nuts, vegetables and fruit have their contributions to make to a healthy diet, but it is animal foods that provided the bulk of vitamins and minerals in the diets of healthy traditional people.