Eat what you want, but don't forget plenty of greens

Eat what you want, but don't forget plenty of greens (Photo: iStock)

There are many types of diets, but they generally fall into three main categories: vegetarian, vegan, and omnivore. A vegetarian diet excludes meat but may include dairy products and eggs. A vegan diet excludes all animal products, including dairy, eggs, and even honey. Omnivores eat both plant and animal-based foods in varying proportions. However, there are numerous hybrid diets, such as flexitarian, paleo, and more.

The key question is whether any specific diet is superior for health, or whether it truly doesn't matter. Recent data seems to guide us closer to the right answer. More plant-based foods and fewer animal-based foods generally lead to better health outcomes, regardless of whether you are primarily vegan, vegetarian, or omnivore. In other words, it matters less what type of diet you follow, as long as you are consuming more plants and fewer animal products.