Carnivore diets have become a popular diet trend among many health enthusiasts, where the diet consists only of meat and animal products. But before jumping on the bandwagon, it’s important to weigh up the benefits and risks of such a diet. In this article, we will explore both the positive and negative aspects of a carnivore diet, as well as look at potential cognitive benefits and lower stress.
What is a carnivore diet?
A carnivore diet is a diet consisting mainly of meat and other animal products such as eggs and for some also dairy products such as butter, cheese or raw milk. It excludes all plant-based foods, including vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds.
The diet is based on the idea that humans are genetically predisposed to eating meat and that plant-based foods can lead to inflammation and other health problems.
Related: See guide on the keto diet
The benefits of a carnivore diet
- Simplicity: One of the biggest benefits of a carnivore diet is that it is very easy to follow. You don’t have to count calories or macronutrients and have a limited range of foods to choose from. This makes it easier to stick to the diet and avoid temptation.
- Weight loss: Many people experience weight loss when following a carnivore diet, as it has higher amounts of protein and fat, both of which provide long-lasting satiety and reduced appetite. Also, for many underweight people, the carnivore diet can help stabilize hormones and weight.
- Stable blood sugar levels: A carnivore diet contains almost no carbohydrates, which can contribute to more stable blood sugar levels and improved insulin sensitivity. This makes the carnivore diet a good fit with intermittent fasting.
- Better concentration and focus: Many people who follow a carnivore diet report improved concentration and focus. This may be related to stable blood sugar levels and reduced inflammation in the brain. Read more about how to improve your concentration here.
Risks and disadvantages of a carnivore diet
- Lack of nutrients: One of the biggest concerns for many with a carnivore diet is a lack of nutrients found in plant-based foods, such as vitamins, minerals and fiber. Many believe this can lead to digestive problems, a weakened immune system and an increased risk of chronic diseases.
- Higher intake of saturated fat: A carnivore diet involves a higher intake of saturated fat. When you choose to exclude an entire group of energy, it is important that the body still gets enough energy. Then you need to increase your fat intake to give your body the energy it needs. Saturated fat intake, which has previously been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. But recent research suggests that saturated fat is not as unhealthy as we thought, so this may be less problematic than previously thought.
- Social challenges: Following a strict carnivore diet can lead to social challenges, as it can be difficult to find suitable foods at restaurants and social gatherings.
- Sustainability: A carnivore diet can have negative environmental impacts, as meat production is generally more resource-intensive and causes higher greenhouse gas emissions than plant-based food production.
Are you getting all the nutrients you need?
It has long been debated back and forth whether you get enough nutrients from meat and fat alone or whether it will lead to deficiencies over time. After all, there is no doubt that you can live on just meat and fat for a long time.
However, there is evidence that it is important to eat the whole animal to get the vitamin heavy parts of the animal alive to make sure you get enough vitamins and minerals. A key spokesperson for the carnivore and lion diet, Mikhaila Peterson, recently retracted claims that she didn’t need a liver as her folate levels were now somewhat lower.
Combined with the fact that liver is one of the most nutrient-dense foods you get and with how available the vitamins are for absorption by excluding carbohydrates and oxolates, there is no evidence to suggest that healthy people who have no other cause of poor absorption should need to supplement vitamins and minerals over time. However, it is important to regularly check your values with your doctor and have a close dialog with professionals about what suits your situation.
Background and history of the carnivore diet
The carnivore diet, although it has gained increased attention and popularity in recent years, has roots that go way back in human history and development. To understand the background and history of this diet, we need to look at human evolutionary development and the diet of our ancestors.
Evolutionary development
The evolution of humans as a species has been characterized by adaptation to different diets over thousands of years. During this time, our diet has changed significantly, and so has our ability to digest and utilize different types of food. The earliest humans, who lived millions of years ago, had a diet that mainly consisted of animals and plants and fruits in season.
As humans began to develop tools and weapons, hunting larger animals became more efficient and common. This led to an increased intake of meat and animal products in the diet, and many scientists believe that this contributed to the rapid development of the human brain and our ability to think, learn and solve problems.
Historical examples
There are several historical examples of population groups that have had a predominantly meat-based diet, which can be considered early forms of the carnivore diet. A well-known example is the Inuit, who have traditionally lived in the Arctic and have had a diet consisting mainly of meat from marine mammals, fish and birds. Due to the extreme climate and lack of plant-based food, the Inuit developed a diet that was adapted to their particular lifestyle and environment.
Another example is the Masai, an ethnic group in East Africa, who have traditionally had a diet consisting mainly of meat, milk and blood from cattle. Although this diet is very different from what is common in modern Western societies, the Maasai have enjoyed relatively good health and a low incidence of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease.
Modern carnivore diet
The modern carnivore diet has its roots in these historical examples, but has also been influenced by recent health and nutrition trends. Among other things, low-carb and ketogenic diets have become popular, and these diets focus on higher intake of fat and protein and lower intake of carbohydrates.
In recent years, more doctors, nutritionists and health enthusiasts have begun to promote the carnivore diet as an alternative to other types of diets and
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
A carnivore diet can have many benefits, such as weight loss, improved concentration and lower stress levels. However, it is important to be aware of potential risks, such as nutrient deficiency, higher intake of saturated fat and sustainability issues. If you are considering a carnivore diet, you should discuss it with a doctor or nutritionist to ensure you get all the necessary nutrients and to avoid negative health effects.
For more information on nutrition and alternative diets, check out the following articles:
Remember that each person is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. That’s why it’s important to experiment and find the best approach that suits you and your situation.
