Although a meat-free diet may be healthier than an all-meat diet, cutting out all animal products can be problematic. Further research suggests this. Vegans lack not only a source of vitamin B12, but also some amino acids that are essential for a healthy psyche. According to a new analysis involving 350,000 people from the British Biobank vegans suffer more often from depression and anxiety.
When it comes to the mental health impact of animal versus plant-based milk, the data suggests that those who drink animal milk have a 12 percent lower risk of depression and a ten percent lower risk of anxiety than those who drink plant milks. This suggests that animal milk could be a source of nutrients necessary for a healthy psyche. Many people have an intolerance to non-fermented dairy products, but it is the amino acids contained in dairy products in general. So, if a person does not like milk, he can consume, for example, yogurts, sours or cheeses that have undergone fermentation.
Research shows that those drinking plant-based milks, such as oat or almond, had a 14 percent higher risk of depression. Scientists believe that this may be related to the lack of certain nutrients that are present in animal milk, such as calcium and amino acids. Calcium, which is contained in milk, has an effect on the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which affects our mood and mental health. Serotonin is a key factor in the treatment of depression, as many antidepressant drugs promote its retention at neural connections. They are the so-called SSRI antidepressants.
Calcium is also contained in poppy seeds and eggs, and it is possible to find many other sources, including plant sources, which can supply the body with it (some sprouts and seeds). However, it is necessary to pay attention to the regular intake of these foods. Milk is also a source of tryptophan, from which the body produces serotonin. Tryptophan is also contained in eggs. From plant sources, mainly in nuts (walnuts) or sunflower or pumpkin seeds. It is also possible to use proteins separated from the seeds directly.
