The episode features three guests— Dr. Anita Tagore, a retired medical doctor; Dr. Alison Morgan, an agricultural and environmental specialist; and David Ellis, a former geophysicist. They came together to write their book after discovering shared interests in diet, nutrition, and farming. Anita, originally a keto enthusiast, saw significant health improvements from an all-animal-based diet, including reversing leaky gut and skin conditions. Alison, previously obese, found relief from chronic health issues like rosacea and acid reflux after adopting a meat-based diet. David, initially skeptical, noticed substantial improvements in gut health and weight loss by eliminating grains and switching to a meat-heavy diet.
The book’s title was inspired by an Oxford University study that linked reduced brain size to lower animal food consumption. The study found that over five years, individuals who ate less animal-based food experienced more brain atrophy, with vegans showing the most shrinkage. The authors acknowledge their provocative title but emphasize that they are not against vegans; rather, they aim to provide science-backed information to help individuals make informed dietary choices. They stress the importance of essential nutrients like B12, DHA, and cholesterol, which are crucial for brain health and largely absent in plant-based diets.
The discussion challenges conventional dietary guidelines, criticizing the widespread promotion of plant-based diets without sufficient scientific backing. They argue that observational studies used to support plant-based eating are flawed and fail to establish causation. The authors emphasize the evolutionary perspective, arguing that humans evolved due to meat consumption rather than simply evolving to eat meat. They highlight the dietary shift over the past 10,000 years, suggesting it correlates with rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases.
From an agricultural standpoint, the book contends that properly managed livestock farming can be beneficial for the environment. Alison, with her extensive background in farming, argues that modern grain-heavy diets contribute to metabolic diseases in both humans and animals. They claim that grass-fed livestock farming not only provides superior nutrition but also contributes positively to environmental sustainability. They critique the current food pyramid and nutritional guidelines, suggesting they are driven by industry interests rather than genuine health concerns.
The episode concludes by discussing common myths surrounding vegetable oils and grains. The authors argue that vegetable oils are industrial products, contribute to inflammation, and are linked to health issues such as cancer and metabolic disorders. They also discuss grains’ negative impact on gut health, emphasizing their role in causing leaky gut and autoimmune diseases. They advocate for a return to ancestral diets rich in animal fats and nutrient-dense foods, arguing that such a shift would lead to improved health outcomes and a more sustainable food system.