Nina Teicholz on Butter, Meat and The Science and Politics of Nutrition
May 23, 2018
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Leading science journalist Nina Teicholz discusses saturated fats, flawed nutrition research, limitations of weak observational data, shifting dietary guidelines, significance of meat for essential nutrients, regenerative agriculture, misconceptions about high-carbohydrate diets, dark history of vegetable oils, risks of using vegetable oils in fast food chains, use of lard and beef tallow for frying, failure of dietary guidelines in preventing disease.
The influence of the vegetable oil industry and cognitive dissonance among scientists may explain the promotion of harmful vegetable oils as a healthy choice.
Meat consumption is not proven to be harmful when considering rigorous clinical trial data, and excluding meat from diets may have unintended consequences and lead to nutrient deficiencies.
Historically demonized saturated fats have no evidence of causing cardiovascular mortality, while polyunsaturated vegetable oils may increase the risk of cancer and inflammation.
Deep dives
The Influence of Procter & Gamble on Vegetable Oils
The vegetable oil industry emerged in the early 1900s, with Crisco being the first popular product. Procter & Gamble, one of the major players in the industry, promoted the use of vegetable oils as a healthy alternative to lard. However, vegetable oils were initially hydrogenated, resulting in the production of trans fats, which increase the risk of heart disease. Later, Procter & Gamble developed stable, fluid vegetable oils and convinced the American Heart Association to promote their use. This led to an increase in vegetable oil consumption, despite the harmful effects of trans fats. It wasn't until recently that the FDA finally banned trans fats after years of pressure. Additionally, vegetable oils in their liquid form are also unstable and prone to oxidation, which can lead to inflammation and heart disease. Studies have shown that diets high in vegetable oils are associated with higher rates of cancer. The influence of the vegetable oil industry and the cognitive dissonance among scientists who have long promoted these oils may explain the continued promotion of vegetable oils as a healthy choice.
Flaws in the Science and Beliefs about Meat Consumption
The claim that meat is bad for health is not supported by rigorous clinical trial data. Observational studies on the association between meat consumption and diseases like cancer are inconclusive, relying on unreliable self-reported data. Furthermore, these studies often fail to account for confounding factors such as other unhealthy behaviors. It is essential to differentiate between health claims and ethical considerations, as the latter is a separate discussion. The need for certain nutrients found in meat, like B vitamins, iron, omega-3 fats, and vitamin D, is crucial, particularly for women who want to have healthy pregnancies. The unintended consequences of excluding meat from one's diet must also be considered. For instance, vegetarian mothers are more likely to have infants deficient in vital nutrients, potentially leading to various health issues. A pound of plants is not nutritionally equivalent to a pound of meat, and not all calories have the same impact on health.
The Inaccuracy of Saturated Fat and Polyunsaturated Vegetable Oil Recommendations
Historically, saturated fats were vilified as causes of heart disease, leading to the belief that they should be replaced with polyunsaturated vegetable oils. However, recent scientific literature challenges these recommendations. Several major review papers have found no evidence that saturated fats have any effect on cardiovascular mortality. Moreover, studies have shown that diets high in polyunsaturated vegetable oils, such as soybean oil, can lead to an increased risk of cancer and inflammation, as well as oxidative stress that contributes to heart disease. The influential role of the food industry in promoting vegetable oils and the cognitive dissonance among long-standing believers in their health benefits may help explain the persistence of these recommendations. Conflicting interests and biases should be taken into consideration in evaluating the credibility of dietary advice.
The Role of Regenerative Agriculture and Grass-Fed Animals in Environmental and Climate Solutions
Regenerative agriculture practices, particularly the use of grazing animals on grasslands, have shown promise in reversing climate change and restoring soil health. Grasslands, which comprise a significant portion of land globally, can be utilized to sequester carbon and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, the current industrial farming practices used to grow animal feed crops have a detrimental impact on the environment, including deforestation, soil depletion, and greenhouse gas emissions. The proper management of grazing animals can help rebuild soil, increase carbon absorption, and ultimately lead to a more sustainable and climate-conscious agricultural system. This approach highlights the importance of understanding the nuanced effects of farming practices on both human health and the environment, and the potential for food production to contribute to climate solutions.
The Influence of Vegetable Oil Lobby on Nutrition Science
The podcast episode explores how vegetable oil executives have significantly influenced nutrition science over the past few decades. The speaker reveals that these executives have been involved in controlling nutrition trials, providing their products for free, and even serving as top general counsel at the food and drug administration. This influence has led to increased consumption of soybean oil and other seed and nut oils, which are now present in a wide range of processed foods. The speaker highlights the dangers of these oils, citing evidence that shows negative effects on health, particularly when consumed in large quantities.
The Failures of Dietary Guidelines and the Need for Reform
The podcast episode also delves into the problems of current dietary guidelines and the need for reform. The podcast emphasizes that these guidelines have not been effective in preventing diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Despite claims that Americans do not follow the guidelines, data shows that people have actually adhered to them, consuming less red meat, more grains, and increasing vegetable oil intake. The podcast highlights the importance of science-based guidelines and mentions the need to consider low-carbohydrate diets and reassess the recommendation to limit saturated fats. It concludes by discussing the efforts to reform these guidelines and the potential impact it could have on public health.
In my conversation with Nina Teicholz, a leading science journalist, we explore saturated fats, modern nutrition policy, and flawed research on our way to some startling conclusions. Her bestselling book, The Big Fat Surprise: Why Butter, Meat, and Cheese Belong in a Healthy Diet, actually inspired me to write my own book. It was a tremendous honor to have her on the show. Join us for an hour long conversation about things that matter.
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