#239 – Big Ag feeds into Big Pharma: Metabolic health benefits from regenerative farming | Dr. Robert Lustig & Ben Grynol - (Replay)
Dec 7, 2023
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Dr. Robert Lustig, an expert in metabolic health, and Ben Grynol, a wellness tech industry professional, delve into the impact of regenerative farming on metabolic health. They discuss topics like the dangers of pesticides, the difference between soil and dirt, the negative consequences of monoculture farming, and the need for more informed consumer choices. This episode provides valuable insights into the relationship between food production, metabolic health, and the wellness tech industry.
Regenerative farming prioritizes soil vitality, resulting in healthier and more nutritious crops compared to chemical-intensive agriculture.
Big agriculture prioritizes profits over environmental sustainability and consumer health, leading to monoculture and excessive use of pesticides and herbicides.
Deep dives
The difference between soil and dirt and its impact on plant growth
Soil and dirt are not the same. While plants can grow in soil, they cannot thrive in dirt without additional nutrients like nitrogen and growth enhancers. However, plants grown in soil with natural components like bacteria, fungi, and nutrients are more nutritionally rich compared to plants grown in dirt. The distinction between soil and dirt is important because soil contributes to the vitality and health of plants, providing essential nutrients and defense mechanisms.
The principal agent problem and moral hazard in big agriculture
Big agriculture and food processing have downstream implications that are often overlooked. The companies involved in food production may not consider the health, environmental, and ecological consequences of their actions. The principal agent problem arises when those responsible for food production prioritize profits over environmental sustainability and consumer health. This results in monoculture, excessive use of pesticides and herbicides, and the decline of regenerative farming practices. The companies that contribute to these issues, such as Monsanto, BASF, and Bayer, are known for producing chemicals that alter and prevent degradation of food, impacting both the quality of the food and the environment.
The impact of pesticides and insecticides on health and the environment
The use of pesticides and insecticides, such as DDT and glyphosate, in food production has long-lasting effects on health and the environment. These chemicals have been linked to increased cancer risk, fertility issues, and disruption of the endocrine system. While DDT was banned in 1972, its metabolites can still be found in alligators and pregnant women. Glyphosate, widely used in agriculture, has been associated with superweeds, health implications, and court cases for cancer. The lack of studies and transparency regarding the effects of these compounds has allowed them to remain on the market, leading to significant concerns for human health and the ecosystem.
The need for regenerative farming and consumer awareness
Regenerative farming, which focuses on carbon fixing the soil and avoiding food processing, offers a more sustainable and nutritious approach to food production. By prioritizing the vitality of soil, regenerative farming avoids the drawbacks of monoculture and chemical-intensive agriculture. It allows plants to produce essential nutrients and natural defense mechanisms, leading to healthier and more nutritious crops. However, consumer awareness is crucial in making informed choices about the food they consume. Understanding the difference between processed and unprocessed foods, paying attention to labels, and choosing real food over ultra-processed products can contribute to better personal and environmental health.
Since metabolic health is downstream of food production, we need regenerative farming, balanced ecosystems, and to lift the veil of Big Food’s marketing schemes in order to optimize the entire system. Look for multiple new shows per week on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations about metabolic health and how the Levels startup team builds a wellness movement from the ground up in the health and wellness tech industry.
Levels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health.
Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health.
🎙 What Levels’ Advisor Dr. Rob Lustig and Head of Growth Ben Grynol discuss:
(06:08) - The growers and the helpers
(07:05) - How DDT changed America
(12:19) - The next big thing
(16:04) - Soil vs. dirt
(28:29) - Farming in the 1960s
(30:17) - Turning America’s Heartland into big ag
(34:06) - Agriculture and healthcare are inseparable