The Importance of Evidence in Dietary Claims

Episode #343. Vegan vs. carnivore – which diet stands up to the science? Join me in this fiery debate to find out. Hosted by Ellen Fisher, this thought-provoking episode pits me, Simon Hill, against Dr Robert Kiltz, a leading voice in the carnivore and keto movements.

Together, we explore opposing perspectives on nutrition, from the hierarchy of evidence to the health implications of plant-based and animal-based diets. Whether you’re vegan, carnivore, or somewhere in between, this conversation will challenge your views and help you make more informed decisions about your health and the planet.

Specifically, we discuss:

• Introduction (00:00)
• Personal Health Journeys: How Diet Shapes Our Lives (02:20)
• Scientific Evidence vs. Personal Anecdotes: Finding the Truth (07:50)
• Nutritional Science and Its Impact on Public Health (16:51)
• Mechanisms and Metabolic Health (22:55)
• Why Experts Disagree: Conflicting Views on Diet and Health (30:16)
• Ansel Keys Revisited: The Fat vs. Sugar Debate in Nutrition (54:45)
• Outliers in Research: How They Influence Diet Discussions (55:55)
• Did Humans Evolve to Eat Meat or Plants? (57:36)
• The Role of Fat: Separating Myths from Scientific Evidence (59:23)
• How Funding Influences Scientific Studies and Nutrition Advice (01:08:57)
• Why Dietary Guidelines Are So Complex and Confusing (01:13:17)
• Plant-Based vs. Carnivore: Which Diet Is Healthier? (01:18:58)
• Anecdotes in Nutrition: Do Personal Stories Hold Weight? (01:26:16)
• Diverse Perspectives: Why They Matter in Nutrition Science (01:30:44)
• Is There an Objective Truth in Nutrition Science? (01:46:01)
• Diet and Individual Truths: Why One Size Doesn’t Fit All (01:46:27)
• Profit Motives in Science and Medicine: What’s the Impact? (01:48:22)
• Processed Foods: Their Role in the Decline of Public Health (01:50:18)
• Health Testing: Can We Trust the Results? (01:53:03)
• Balancing Diet and Nutritional Freedom: Finding What Works (01:54:14)
• The Power of Stories: How They Shape Our Nutrition Beliefs (01:57:24)
• Evolutionary Diets: Do They Hold the Key to Health? (02:13:07)
• Ethical Diets and Planetary Health: Making Sustainable Choices (02:29:42)
• Final Reflections: Key Insights from the Nutrition Debate (02:33:36)

Discover more of The Ellen Fisher Podcast at https://www.ellenfisher.com/podcast. Learn more about Dr Kiltz at https://www.doctorkiltz.com/blog/.

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Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons)

Creator of theproof.com and host of The Proof with Simon Hill

Author of The Proof is in the Plants

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