The Jesse Chappus Show

686: The Nutrition Lies That Shaped Modern Diets | Dr. Zoë Harcombe

Jan 6, 2026
Dr. Zoë Harcombe, a diet and health researcher, dives into the nutrition myths that have shaped modern diets. She argues that essential nutrients are primarily found in animal foods, condemning the low-fat paradigm and revealing the truth about heart disease. Zoë also critiques statins and tackles misunderstood concepts around LDL cholesterol. She emphasizes the importance of real food over processed options, warns against fiber myths, and discusses the role of nutrient-dense diets in weight management. Prepare for a mind-bending take on food!
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INSIGHT

Diet Guidelines Misframed Macronutrients

  • Dietary guidelines started by demonizing fat and forced carbs to rise, which skewed natural macronutrient balance.
  • Zoe Harcombe argues nutrient needs point to animal foods as the most efficient source of essential nutrients.
ADVICE

Prioritize Nutrient-Dense Animal Foods

  • Prioritize nutrient-dense animal foods like liver, kidneys, red meat, oily fish, egg yolks, and full-fat dairy.
  • Use animal foods first, add plants only for variety and texture if desired.
INSIGHT

How Fat Became Demonized

  • Ansel Keys' selective data and the Seven Countries narrative drove fear of fat despite weak evidence.
  • Zoe traces the origin of fat demonization to early selective epidemiology and political adoption in the 1970s.
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