Is vegetarianism healthier?

Not eating animals might make you feel more virtuous, but is it good for your health? The Conversation asked a doctor, dietitian and three nutritionists for their views.

Mar 05, 2019, updated May 14, 2025
Four out of five experts say a vegetarian diet is healthier. Photo: Brooke Lark / unsplash
Four out of five experts say a vegetarian diet is healthier. Photo: Brooke Lark / unsplash

Vegetarianism is on the rise in Australia, as many vegetarians will gladly tell you. While many people who eschew meat products do so for the sake of animals and the environment, we’re starting to learn more about the negative health effects of meat and the benefits from eating a plant-based diet.

We asked five experts if a vegetarian diet is healthier (click on ‘expand’ to see their full responses).

Four out of five experts said yes

Here are their detailed responses:

Alexandra Hansen is chief of staff of The Conversation, where this article was originally republished. It is republished here under a Creative Commons licence.

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