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The Plant Free MD with Dr Anthony Chaffee

Episode 155: The Blue Zones: What They REALLY Eat! | With Professor Bill Schindler

Sep 21, 2023
Retired professor of archeology and paleoanthropology, Professor Bill Schindler, shares his experience visiting the first Blue Zone in Sardinia and debunks the myth that they primarily eat plants. They discuss the animal-based diet of Sardinia, traditional cheese-making methods, and the secrets to long and healthy lives in the Blue Zones. There's even a fascinating discussion about the most dangerous cheese in the world, Casu Marzu.
57:05

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • In the Blue Zone region of Sardinia, the traditional diet is not predominantly plant-based but includes daily consumption of meat and animal-based foods.
  • The Sardinian people have valuable traditional food processing techniques, such as detoxifying acorns to make bread and allowing maggots to digest cheese, showcasing the importance of animal-based foods in their culture.

Deep dives

Traditional food practices in Sardinia: Meat consumption and animal-based diet

During a research trip to Sardinia, it was discovered that the traditional diet of the Blue Zone region does not match the popularized notion of being mostly plant-based. Contrary to common belief, the people of Sardinia consume meat on a daily basis and prioritize animal-based foods in their diet. Their meals often consist of meat, cheese, and other animal products, with vegetables being consumed in smaller quantities. The locals take great pride in butchering their own animals and making their own cheese, ensuring a direct and authentic connection to their food.

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