We have an interesting debate between Dr. Paul Saladino, a proponent of animal-based diet, and Dr. Joel Fuhrman, an advocate of primarily plant based diet.
The net ‘effect’ on me of this debate is that the studies pro plant-based diets are observational as opposed to interventional studies.
Causation is thus difficult to prove and indeed there is often an overlay of user bias such as environmental or ethics!
There appear to be interventional studies suggesting meat consumption does not necessarily lead to oxidative stress or increased inflammation.
That insulin resistance sensitivity can also be generated from a meat based diet!
Plants are armed with phytochemicals to avoid consumption and the indirect effect on humans is still debatable.
Also strictly plant based diets can lead to nutrient deficiencies. That is why I advocate at least a pescatarian diet.
Dr. Fuhrman is passionate about the long term nature of nutrition and is strongly advocating a Plant Based diet for health.
I also note that Dr. Michael Greger, who takes a serious global statistical analysis, is equally passionate about plant based diets.
Saladino who was very involved in Tanzania with some of the last hunter gatherers, the Hadza is equally passionate.
The Hadza, meat eaters, healthy, fit, and free of diabetes, obesity, and autommune diseases, including depression and cancer!
But remember their meat is ‘naturally raised’; and if possible when eating meat we should opt for naturally raised grass fed animals!
Saladino challenges Fuhrman’s claims that saturated fats from animal foods are linked to Heart Disease, a myth that may stem from Ancel Keys’ flawed hypothesis in 1960-1961.
Nutrient deficiencies are another risk of following a strictly plant-based diet. Example: vitamins, A, C, D, E, B2, B6, B12, folate, iron, selenium and zinc.
These vitamins are primarily found in animal foods, which is why shunning animal foods tends to lead to nutrient deficiencies.
Nutrient deficiencies are not only possible with a strict plant-based diet but probable, depending on your diet, with choline being among them.
Research has found that eating eggs is one of the best ways to improve choline intake, and it’s difficult to get enough of this essential nutrient if you don’t consume them.
My personal comment is to try to source organic free range eggs. Costco, being a reliable researcher, is an excellent source!
What is the solution? Personally I believe if you follow the main longevity modality of this site which is Fasting with all the necessary precautions, you make up a ton of ‘subtleties’. The proper implementation of water fasting periodically is overridingly positive!
I’m an admirer of the research of Dr. Valter Longo and do believe that a primarily plant based diet is a ‘basis’. This I believe he advocates because of his interest in Blue Zones. However I notice that he is a pescatarian and also presumably follows his advice on Fasting! The latter is Critical to keeping young, healthy and for real longevity! Perplexed? Plant Based or Animal Based Diets?
