A nutrition expert has issued a stark warning over a popular diet fad that could be putting people’s health at serious risk, suggesting it might trigger a severe ailment. Dr Federica Amati, author and lead nutritionist at Zoe – a health science outfit set up by Tim Spector – voiced concern after fresh studies pointed to an alarming correlation between red meat intake and the onset of type 2 diabetes.
The weight-loss strategy in question is dubbed the ‘carnivore diet,’ which sees its followers forsake plants, instead gorging solely on animal fare like meats, fish, eggs, and select dairy, also nixing fruits, veggies, grains, legumes, seeds, and nuts in what’s termed as the “zero carb” regime. Essentially a stripe of ketogenic dieting, this approach pivots on ketosis, where fats are torched for fuel in absence of carbs.
However, Dr Amati dropped a bombshell in an Instagram post, debunking myths perpetuated by ardent carnivore adherents claiming red meat wards off metabolic illnesses, with evidence sharply contradicting such claims.
She warned: “Eating too much red meat, eating it several times a week, even every day actually increases your risk of developing Type two diabetes. That’s because our metabolic health depends on us getting a variety of foods and a high fibre diet is critical for good metabolic health, So you can imagine if you’re getting the majority of your calories from red meat, it will have an impact.”
“This study clearly shows the more red meat you have, the higher your HBA1C, which is actually a measure of our blood glucose levels over time.”
Dr Amati highlighted a healthier alternative that supports overall well-being. She advised: “So if in doubt, if you’re trying to follow a diet that is going to support your metabolic health and reduce your risk of type two diabetes, look at the Mediterranean dietary pattern. Plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, extra virgin olive oil and the preferred source of animal protein is actually oily fish.”
The NHS has advocated the Mediterranean diet which focuses on plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and pulses, including beans, chickpeas, and lentils, while also incorporating moderate amounts of fish, chicken, and low-fat dairy products.
Professor Tim Spector has previously stated: “The best example is the Mediterranean diet. We all know that, if you have that kind of diet, those people will be healthier. One of the key things is that they have lots of fruits and vegetables, they have a variety of foods, they have dairy products which contain live microbes and probiotics. They also have something called olive oil, and olive oil is the base of all these Mediterranean diets, and that has very high levels of different polyphenols that our microbes love.”
“By understanding our microbes, we can start to understand how to get the best diets that suit ourselves and live healthier lives.”