“Liar-Liar” by bobtaylor798 is licensed under CC CC0 1.0
If you haven’t seen “What The Health,” no need to worry. I’m about to save you 90 minutes of your life that you wouldn’t get back.
A client of mine recently asked me what I thought of the 2017 documentary, “What the Health.”
Before diving into my long winded answer, I explained the personal journey I went on to understand the complex world of health.
Anyone who is familiar with my stance on wellness already knows that I am a huge advocate of preventing disease.
What sounds good in theory is not always the case, especially when special interest groups are involved.
In 2014, I made the decision to add Western Medicine to my résumé. I hoped to help bridge the gap between preventive care and medical therapy. A harder task then I initially realized.
The current issues with out healthcare system are well documented.
Our limited health resources are being consumed at an alarming rate. Health care costs continue to rise. Providers are being forced to take on more demands, particularly administrative tasks. All while they rather spend that time performing direct patient care.
Yet, pharmaceutical companies continue to thrive.
If you haven’t seen “What The Health,” no need to worry. I’m about to save you 90 minutes of your life that you wouldn’t get back. Here’s a a quick run down.
The documentary discusses the correlation between diet and chronic disease.
On the surface, it seems like this is the type of movie I’d get a logo of tattooed on my ass-cheek.
What sounds good in theory is not always the case, especially when special interest groups are involved. With that said, there are some valid points the movie makes. It would be unfair to not point these out.
Useful takeaways from “What the Health” you can start applying today
✅ Vegetables are healthy and most people would benefit by eating more
✅ Cow milk is probably not a great option
✅ Unprocessed food is better than processed foods
✅ Dietary changes can help prevent disease
✅ The food industry is filled with corruption and deceit
Now, onto the issues I have with this documentary.
Fat Is Bad
The film pushes the agenda that eating fat causes diseases such as diabetes. More specifically, it states that ALL Saturated Fats are bad. This is just not true. Although, a diet with excessive Fat or Saturated Fat is unhealthy, we need some fat in our diets. Fats can help reduce inflammation, regulate hormones, and improve your immune system.
Cholesterol Is Evil
Here’s the thing. Even if you try to not eat cholesterol, your body is still going to make it. Your body needs cholesterol for many important roles. These include producing hormones (like vitamin D) and creating your cell’s walls. HDL (High Density Lipoproteins) cholesterol even helps to reduce heart attacks.
Sugar Isn't a Problem
This is my favorite misnomer. Sugar is addicting and can absolutely be harmful, despite what the film suggests. Too much sugar can cause cavities. But it can also damage your body’s ability to handle carbohydrates. High sugar diets are also linked to diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Cancer, & even Erectile Dysfunction. Step it up gentlemen.
Meat Is Collectively Unhealthy
We probably eat too much meat in society. And processed meat is not very healthy. But there is a difference between eating meat that’s pumped with hormones versus certified humane options. Not to mention, one is going to taste a hell of a lot better.
Eggs Are Harmful
It is true that eggs are high in cholesterol. But like we discussed earlier, you need some cholesterol. Eggs are also packed with HDL cholesterol (often known as “good cholesterol”) as well as important vitamins and minerals.
Cherry Picking Data And Sources
A more well rounded panel would have provided more credibility. Most of the featured individuals interviewed had a clear agenda towards promoting veganism. A vegan diet may be great for certain individuals. The problem is trying to address nutrition as a one size fits all program. That’s why when I work with clients we figure out a nutrition plan that works for the individual. But only after looking at specific dietary restrictions, needs, and lifestyle choices.
Using a nutrition plan that’s specific for you will allow you to live your life the way you want. Dinner parties, happy hour, some wild nights while still managing to lose weight, get stronger, and ultimately look great naked.
I’d like to help you with that. Click here and let’s chat
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