I was, and still am very ignorant about this topic. I actually am interested in cutting out meats and dairy. I don’t actually find the health issue of eating meat to be healthy a convincing argument.
It seems the general consensus is Westerners over consume meat. And the Mediterranean style eating is healthier. And there are entire cultures that are various forms of vegan/vegetarian. But we also have to look at Mediterranean lifestyle too, besides lower meat intake, they may walk alot, and consume smaller portions. It all works together to maintain a healthy body.