Summary of ZOE Science And Nutrition Podcast Episode: The carnivore diet exposed: Healthful or harmful?
— Description —
The carnivore diet, solely consisting of meat and excluding plant foods, eggs, and dairy, lacks carbohydrates and fiber, potentially leading to constipation and nutrient deficiencies Excess protein from the diet can be converted into carbohydrates, and the fat from meat contains a lot of saturated fat Professor Christopher Gardner rejects the diet, deeming it unrealistic and emphasizing the need for a varied diet with less carbs and unsaturated fats
He highlights the lack of substantial scientific studies on the carnivore diet, making it difficult to draw conclusions about its health effects Gardner also points out that the microbiome in the gut needs fiber for fuel, which is found in carbohydrates, and that human anatomy and history suggest an omnivorous diet, unlike carnivorous animals.
The carnivore diet exposed: Healthful or harmful?
Key Takeaways
- The carnivore diet consists solely of meat and excludes plant foods, eggs, and dairy.
- It lacks carbohydrates and fiber, potentially leading to constipation and nutrient deficiencies.
- Excess protein from the diet can be converted into carbohydrates, and the fat from meat contains a lot of saturated fat.
- There are no substantial scientific studies on the carnivore diet, making it difficult to draw conclusions about its health effects.
- Professor Christopher Gardner firmly rejects the carnivore diet, likening it to extremely restrictive diets and deeming it unrealistic.
Carnivore Diet: Love for Meat or Health Benefits?
- Today's episode focuses on the carnivore diet, which consists solely of meat and has gained popularity despite its unusual nature.
- Professor Christopher Gardner highlights that people may be drawn to this diet due to their love for meat and the desire for an excuse to consume it.
- The diet strictly excludes plant foods, eggs, and dairy, and the hosts express curiosity about its potential health benefits.
Fiber is Essential for Gut Health
- Christopher Gardner explains that a diet without indigestible carbohydrates would affect the microbiome, leading to potential health issues.
- He emphasizes that the microbiome in the gut needs fiber for fuel, which is found in carbohydrates.
- Gardner points out that a meat-based diet lacks carbohydrates and fiber, which could result in constipation and a lack of essential nutrients.
Ditch the Restrictive Diets Now
- The more restrictive your diet is, the more likely you will have nutrient deficiencies that none of those fruits, grains, vegetables, none of them have all the nutrients. You need a variety in your diet and you could not get that from a meat only diet.
- When you have such a restrictive diet, you might be hungry for a piece of bread. Nope, can't have that. Hungry for some beans. Nope, can't have that. Hungry for some vegetables. Nope, can't have that. Are you hungry for another piece of steak?
- The excess protein is going to get turned into carbohydrate. The fat from meat is going to be a lot of saturated fat. So in the world of people with diabetes, it's well recognized that they have three times the heart disease rate of people without diabetes.
Reject the Carnivore Diet
- Christopher Gardner emphasizes promoting less carbs and unsaturated fats for a healthy diet.
- He points out that human anatomy and history suggest an omnivorous diet, unlike carnivorous animals.
- There are no substantial scientific studies on the carnivore diet, making it difficult to draw conclusions about its health effects.
- Gardner firmly rejects the carnivore diet, likening it to extremely restrictive diets and deeming it unrealistic.