In the ever-evolving world of Diets, the Carnivore Diet which is focused solely on Meat, Fish and sometimes eggs has been making a splash. It promises rapid weight loss and improved health. With so many dietary trends emerging, it's important to be aware of their potential benefits and drawbacks.
The Carnivore Diet does not include Carbohydrates, Fibre, any additional Fats, or even Vegetables and Fruits. Given that Vegetable and Fruit consumption drive longevity markers, does giving up on fibre-rich Veggies completely have any benefits?
Here’s the answer! A Carnivore diet would have been the healthiest way of living for humans; only if we were Carnivores! Our bodies need a diverse range of Nutrients, which a meat-only diet simply cannot fulfil.
Here are a few reasons why a Carnivore diet may not be a great idea for Diabetes:
- Risk of Nutritional Deficiency: Meat and Meat based products, while often praised for their high Protein content, are deprived of Nutrients like Vitamin C, E, essential Antioxidants and most importantly Fibre.
- Increased risk of Heart Disease: Excessive amounts of Saturated Fat, found abundantly in Red Meat and Processed Meats can contribute to the build up of Plaque in the arteries.
- Poor Blood Glucose control due to a lack of Fibre
- Impact on Kidney function: The high Protein consumption in a Carnivore diet can overload the kidneys over time, which can potentially accelerate the decline of kidney function.
- Lack of Antioxidants and Phytonutrients
- Adverse Gut Health effects: Fibre, found abundantly in Fruits, Vegetables, and Whole Grains, acts as a Prebiotic, feeding the good bacteria in your gut and promoting their growth. The carnivore diet's near absence of Fibre starves these beneficial microbes.
- Ethical and Sustainability Concerns
While Protein is crucial, the source, quality, and nature of Protein will make all the difference. Foods high in Animal Protein can stress insulin-producing cells. Making a simple switch to a Plant Based Diet and the right Lifestyle Changes will make reversing Diabetes truly easier than you would think.
