Many of the nutrients that our bodies need to stay healthy can be found in both plant and animal foods. There are also important nutrients that are unique to these two food sources as well.
Our bodies require certain nutrients to survive and maintain health. Some of these nutrients include macronutrients like proteins, fats, and carbohydrates and micronutrients like vitamins and minerals.
Plant and animal-based foods provide us with these nutrients. However, some nutrients are found only or in abundance in one food source over the other.
For example, “Flavonoids” are a type of nutrient known for providing beneficial anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on the body. These types of nutrients are found only in plant-based foods.
On the other hand, Vitamin B12 is a nutrient found mostly in animal products that is vital to neurological health and can be severely disabling (and even deadly) if deficient.
Other common examples include nutrients such as carbohydrates and fiber that are mostly found in plant-based foods while animal-based foods tend to provide a larger quantity and quality of fats and proteins.
Overall, animal and plant-based foods have many similar and unique nutritional qualities that are beneficial to our health. A diet composed of both these types of food can provide people with many of the nutrients they need to maintain and build a healthy body.
However, always remember that nutritional requirements vary between person to person which is why some groups of people may prefer certain types of foods while other groups may prefer others!