Paul Saladino, a medical doctor and the author of “The Carnivore Code,” has claimed that most plants are “inedible if not toxic to humans.” “Forget the leaves and fibrous tubers, we’re going hunting!” he commands in the book. (Since publishing “The Carnivore Code” in 2020, Mr. Saladino has reintroduced carbohydrates into his diet, with fruit and honey.)
Exploring Diet: The Interplay Between Humans and Plants
In recent years, there has been a surge of interest in various dietary approaches aiming to optimize health and longevity. One such trend gaining attention is the carnivore diet, as advocated by Paul Saladino in his book “The Carnivore Code.” According to Saladino’s claims, most plants are deemed either inedible or potentially toxic for humans.
The idea of abandoning traditional plant-based diets may seem radical to many; however, it raises pertinent questions about human evolution and diet preferences. While early human ancestors were primarily hunter-gatherers relying on animal protein for sustenance, recent studies have shed light on their consumption of dates, tubers, and leafy foods alongside meat.
“Humans are opportunistic omnivores,” states Herman Pontzer from Duke University. He further emphasizes that our ability to adapt drove our ancestors’ inclination towards consuming both plants and animals when available – including honey.”
Intriguingly enough, this concept challenges the notion put forth by Saladino. Research conducted by biologists David Raubenheimer & Stephen J. Simpson reveals that protein-heavy diets adversely affect certain animals’ lifespans.
“Our sexy lean mice who ate high-protein low-carb diets were the shortest lived of all,” they observed in 2014. “They made great-looking middle-aged corpses.”
Dan Buettner’s findings on longevity across five regions globally present an alternative perspective. He highlights the significance of predominantly consuming whole food, plant-based meals in achieving a long and healthy life.
“I know of no long-lived culture in human history that were mainly meat eaters,” emphasizes Buettner, who conducts extensive research on regions known as ‘blue zones’ famous for their longevity.”
Redefining Cultural Perceptions and Personal Optimization
The inclination towards carnivorous diets may extend beyond simple health optimization. For some individuals, this choice aligns with the practice of biohacking – seeking self-improvement through unconventional means. Meanwhile, others perceive it as a symbol of masculinity and success, with beefsteak often associated with luxury.
It is worth noting that online influencers frequently focus on consuming red meat rather than fish when promoting these dietary choices. This emphasis on beef underlines societal notions surrounding indulgence and status while participating in the carnivore craze.
- Embracing an Evolutionary Perspective: Recognizing our opportunistic omnivorous nature encourages exploration of balanced dietary choices.
- A Middle Ground Approach: Moderation is key when considering protein-heavy diets to ensure optimal lifespan benefits without detrimental consequences.
- Understanding Longevity Patterns: The existence of “blue zones” suggests that incorporating predominantly plant-based meals contributes to overall well-being and extended lifespans.
Innovation through Balanced Nutrition
As the debate around dietary preferences continues, it becomes imperative to weigh scientific evidence against personal inclinations. Striking a balance between animal protein and plant-based foods offers an innovative solution to optimize health, longevity, and overall well-being.
By embracing our evolutionary heritage while acknowledging the benefits of a predominantly whole food, plant-based diet, individuals can navigate toward holistic optimization. It is through harmonizing these seemingly opposing approaches that we can unlock the true potential of nutrition for generations to come.
References:
- Saladino, P. (2020). “The Carnivore Code.”
- Raubenheimer D., & Simpson S.J. (2014). “Protein leverage hypothesis.” Obesity Reviews 15(1), 69-107.
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Preventing Dengue Fever in Schools: Collaborating for a Healthier Environment
Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health Beware of dengue fever during school term. which is the beginning of the rainy season We therefore ask for the collaboration of public and educational institutions to help manage the environment. Eliminate breeding grounds for Aedes mosquito larvae around communities, schools and homes. Keeping things tidy and protect yourself from mosquito bites
Today (May 3, 2024) Dr. Jurai Wongsawat, a highly qualified physician Deputy Director General of the Department of Disease Control said that dengue fever is a public health problem in many countries around the world, particularly in Thailand, where epidemics they occur every year during the rainy season. Dengue fever situation Since the beginning of the year, 26,511 patients have been found (data as of May 1, 2024), which is 1.6 times more than in the same period last year. The majority of patients are children aged between 5 and 14 years, for a total of 7,782 cases (one hundred and 29 each) and 29 deaths, the majority of which were in the age group 65 years or older (0.41% ) and mid-May next. It is the time when students begin their school term. From the situation of dengue fever in Thailand Most of the patients are schoolchildren. and from the results of surveying the breeding sites of Aedes mosquitoes Most frequently found in schools and Dharma classrooms. We therefore call on all educational institutions to urgently inspect and destroy the breeding places of the larvae every week from now on. To reduce the risk of an epidemic When school starts, students will be safe from dengue fever.
The Department of Disease Control would like to remind people to apply mosquito repellent to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Especially patients suffering from dengue fever To prevent the spread of dengue fever from patients to the community. Because patients suffering from dengue fever, if bitten by an Aedes mosquito, can transmit dengue fever. (After the incubation period in mosquitoes) can be administered to others. Applying mosquito repellent to dengue fever patients will help break the cycle. and reduce the spread of dengue fever
Additionally, people are being asked to help survey and eliminate the breeding grounds of the Aedes mosquito. By eliminating Aedes mosquito larvae to cover the area of 7 areas, namely 1. Sheds (houses/buildings) 2. Schools/educational institutes 3. Hospitals 4. Dharma halls (temples/mosques/churches) 5. Hotels /resort. 6. Factories and 7. Government agencies/private organizations This place has a gathering of people. It is considered a place at risk of dengue epidemic.
Doctor Jurai Added that If people suspect symptoms of dengue fever, such as high fever Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, rash, blood spots on the body. You shouldn’t buy medicine to take yourself. A safe antipyretic is paracetamol. You should avoid fever-reducing drugs in the NSAID group, such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, aspirin, as well as combined drugs that can cause serious complications such as gastrointestinal bleeding and difficulty in treating yourself. If the fever does not subside within 1-2 days, you should consult a doctor immediately. For more information, call the Department of Disease Control hotline, call 1422.
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Information from: Division of Insect-borne Diseases/Office of Risk Communications, Department of Disease Control
May 3, 2024
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Preventing Dengue Fever in Schools: Collaborating for a Healthier Environment
“Carbohydrates make you fat”: Five nutrition myths you shouldn’t believe
A balanced diet is extremely important for health. After all, food is the fuel that gives the body energy in the first place.
Unfortunately, some nutritional myths are dangerous half-knowledge. Phrases like “carbohydrates make you fat” are persistent in our society. This cannot be said in general terms.
Read here to find out what other rules of thumb you should erase from your memory as quickly as possible on the subject of nutrition.
1. Myth: Dark bread is healthier than light bread
“The bread is dark? Then it has to be healthy.” Unfortunately it’s not that easy. Dark bread is often a deliberately used optical illusion.
Instead of relying on naturally dark grains such as rye or spelt, some breads made from pure white flour are “colored” dark with malt extract.
This gives the impression that it is a wholesome product, when in reality it contains light wheat. That’s why it’s important to always read the recipe before buying bread.
2. Myth: Fat makes you fat
With this assumption, it all depends. Not all fat is the same. In addition to the unhealthy, saturated fatty acids that are mainly found in burgers, pizza and other fast food, there are also unsaturated fatty acids that are found in avocado or fish.
And they are extremely important for the body. Just like carbohydrates and protein, the body needs them to function physically and mentally.
3. Myth: Citrus fruits are vitamin C bombs
Bite into the orange once and your nutrient storage is filled up? Are you kidding me? Are you serious when you say that. The food with the highest vitamin C content is not, as many mistakenly believe, lemon.
In reality, it’s the pepperoni that’s bursting with vitamin C. In comparison: a hot pepper pod contains three times as much vitamin C as a lemon.
4. Myth: Carbohydrates make you fat
This thesis persists. As with fat, it depends on the type of carbohydrates you put into your body.
Wholesome and at the same time “good” carbohydrates are those that are completely chemically untreated. The germ and the bran are still on the grain here.
The situation is different with refined carbohydrates (in white flour and sugar). There is neither germ nor bran on it after processing. And so – in contrast to wholesome products – they neither keep you full for long nor promote natural digestion.
When things go really badly, you even get ravenous. And it can actually make you fat in the long run.
5. Myth: Drink at least two liters of water a day
Drinking lots of water is healthy. That’s a fact. But you should stick less to the rule of thumb of two liters a day and listen more to your own body.
If it’s hot outside or you’ve been doing sports and sweating a lot, you may need a lot more. It also depends on the size and weight.
A tall person needs more fluid intake than a short person. The best way to find out how much is enough is to use the following formula: 30 ml x body weight = daily fluid requirement. With a weight of 70 kilograms, this corresponds to around 210 milliliters – a little more than two liters.
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“Carbohydrates make you fat”: Five nutrition myths you shouldn’t believe