Palo Alto, CA
A 31-year-old female asked:
Is it true that vegetarian diet is healthier than a diet consisting of red meats chicken and fish that also includes fruit and vegetables?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. William Forsytheanswered
Emergency Medicine 29 years experience
Moderation is key: As with most things, too much of a good thing may not be good. Too much red meat can cause problems with weight management and cardiovascular health. Fish is a good source of healthy, cholesterol reducing omega's. Balance is key and a strict vegetarian diet will sometimes require people to increase their need for other supplements. There are good organic sources for meat, fruits and veggies.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Saptarshi Bandyopadhyay commented
Hospital-based practice 23 years experience
The modern western diet probably consists of more red meat than humans have historically consumed for the past 10,000 - 100,000 years. Red meats tend to contain more cholesterol & fat than white meat, & less omega-3 oils. We're probably not adapted to consume so much red meat. That being said, moderation & a well-balanced variety of foods is key for a good diet.
Sep 18, 2015
Last updated May 5, 2016
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
$44 video appointments with $19/month membership*
*Billed $57 every 3 months. Cancel anytime.
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.