Evidence first. Conclusions second.

The Balance of Health is an evidence platform about food: what it does to the environment, to animals, and to our health. The name is meant broadly. Health of people, of animals, of ecosystems, and of the food system itself.

Who it is for

People who are curious or sceptical, short on time, and not fluent in scientific language, but who want to understand rather than be told. It is also for students, journalists, clinicians and researchers who want to go straight to the sources.

How it is different

• Every important claim has a record with its evidence rating, the reason for that rating, its limitations and its sources.
• The strongest counterargument to each conclusion is presented, fairly, on the same page.
• Inconvenient evidence is shown. Nutritional risks of plant-based diets are covered as carefully as benefits.
• Sources link first to our record of what they say, then to the original.
• Uncertainty is stated, not hidden.

The evidence may make a strong case for eating fewer animal products. We let it make that case, or not, on its own.

Current status

The site is in its second phase. The evidence system, comparison tool and personal impact calculator are in place, with country-aware figures and clearly marked sample records while the research review is completed. Read how we rate evidence and see the current claims and sources.

Policies

Editorial policy, correction policy, reviewer policy and funding disclosure are being drafted and will be published here.