The carnivore diet exposed: Healthful or harmful?

Each day this week, we’re examining one of the world’s most popular diets. Putting the latest scientific evidence under the microscope, we’ll find out the true impact of these diets on your health.

Today, we’re talking about the carnivore diet, a zero-carb approach centered on meat, fish, eggs, and minimal dairy while excluding all plant foods and alcohol.

Advocates claim it can help with autoimmune conditions, type 2 diabetes, and weight loss, asserting that our ancestors thrived eating this way. However, there are questions about nutrient deficiencies and excessive saturated fat intake with this diet.

In this special episode of ZOE Science & Nutrition, Jonathan is joined by Christopher Gardner, Professor of Medicine at Stanford University and the Director of Nutrition Studies at Stanford Prevention Research Center. Together, they explore its purported advantages and drawbacks.

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Timecodes:

00:00Introduction

00:42Topic intro

01:10Why would anyone want to follow the carnivore diet?

01:45What are people eating on this diet?

01:59What would happen if you ate this way?

02:53Can we get all the essential nutrients we need to live from this diet?

03:37What are the claimed benefits of this diet?

04:21Could you live on this diet long-term?

05:18What are the differences between animal carnivores and us?

07:08Are there any studies to show what happens when you follow it?

08:32Why aren't there any official studies on the carnivore diet?

09:56What's the verdict?

10:25Outro

Mentioned in this episode:

• Behavioral characteristics and self-reported health status among 2029adults consuming a “Carnivore Diet”, from Current Developments in Nutrition

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Episode transcripts are available here