Episode 11; Meat and Fats are Good!

The Big Fat Surprise" by Nina Teicholz is a thought-provoking and meticulously researched book that challenges the conventional wisdom surrounding dietary fat and its impact on health. Teicholz presents a compelling argument that our current understanding of the role of fat in our diet is flawed, and that much of the advice we have received about reducing fat intake has been misguided and potentially harmful.​

The book traces the history of dietary fat recommendations, from the early 20th century when fat was considered an essential part of a healthy diet, to the low-fat craze of the 1980s and 1990s, which saw fat vilified as the culprit behind heart disease and other health problems. Teicholz provides a detailed analysis of the scientific studies that have informed these recommendations, and exposes the flaws and biases that have led to the demonization of fat.​

One of the most compelling aspects of the book is Teicholz's exploration of the impact of low-fat diets on our health. She argues that the reduction in fat intake that has been recommended for decades may have actually contributed to the rise in obesity, diabetes, and other health problems that we are seeing today. Teicholz presents evidence that suggests that a diet high in healthy fats may actually be more beneficial for our health than a low-fat diet.​

Overall, "The Big Fat Surprise" is a well-written and engaging book that challenges the status quo and encourages readers to rethink their assumptions about dietary fat. While some of the scientific concepts may be challenging for those without a background in nutrition or medicine, Teicholz does an excellent job of making the material accessible and engaging. Anyone who is interested in improving their health through diet should read this book, as it provides valuable insights into the role of fat in our diet and its impact on our health.​

Top Myths

Saturated fat causes heart disease: Teicholz argues that there is no evidence to support the idea that saturated fat is a major cause of heart disease. She points to several studies that have failed to find a link between saturated fat intake and heart disease, and argues that other factors, such as inflammation, may play a more important role in the development of heart disease.​

Low-fat diets are healthy: Teicholz argues that the low-fat diet craze of the 1980s and 1990s may have actually contributed to the rise in obesity, diabetes, and other health problems that we are seeing today. She suggests that a diet high in healthy fats, such as those found in nuts, seeds, and avocados, may actually be more beneficial for our health than a low-fat diet.​

Vegetable oils are healthier than animal fats: Teicholz argues that the idea that vegetable oils are healthier than animal fats is based on flawed science. She points to studies that suggest that the high levels of omega-6 fatty acids found in vegetable oils may actually increase inflammation and contribute to a range of health problems.​

Cholesterol is bad for us: Teicholz argues that the idea that cholesterol is bad for us is based on outdated science. She points to studies that suggest that cholesterol may not be the major cause of heart disease that it was once thought to be, and argues that dietary cholesterol may actually be beneficial for our health.​

The only way to lose weight is to eat a low-fat diet: Teicholz argues that the idea that the only way to lose weight is to eat a low-fat diet is based on flawed science. She suggests that a diet high in healthy fats, combined with a reduction in carbohydrates, may actually be more effective for weight loss than a low-fat diet.​