The Latest Vegan Propaganda Just Dropped: “You Are What You Eat”—Here’s What They Got Wrong

Each twin pair was divided into different dietary regimes. One sibling followed a strict vegan diet, eliminating all meat, seafood, eggs, and dairy. In contrast, their twin consumed an omnivore diet, which included both plant-based foods and animal products. The findings of this study are quite significant. Over the course of eight weeks, the twins on plant-based diets showed remarkable health improvements. These supposedly included increased life expectancy, reduced visceral fat, a lower risk of heart disease, and even an enhanced sex drive. These results highlight the potential health benefits of a vegan diet, making a compelling case for considering a plant-based lifestyle.

The plant-based diet has become more and more popular over recent years. The Good Food Institute reported that, in 2021, the market for plant-based foods expanded at a rate triple that of the overall food industry. This study encompassed a variety of plant-based alternatives, including products like milk, eggs, cheese, meat, yogurt, butter, and creamers. The Harris Poll in 2016, 2019, and 2020 found that about 3% of Americans were vegan, but as of 2022, that increased to 5%. 

It’s no surprise that documentaries like You Are What You Eat are becoming more and more popular. But is there any truth to the claims? Is veganism really healthier for us than all other diets? 

You Are What You Eat Is Just More Vegan Propaganda 

Max Lugavere, nutrition expert and author of Genius Foods, broke it down on X so people could really understand the context of this new documentary. “The lead researcher behind the study is funded by Beyond Meat,” he writes. “It’s right there in the paper.” That’s a huge red flag as it is, but Lugavere was willing to give the program the benefit of the doubt – until he discovered more. 

The study proved there was a small decrease in LDL in the group of vegans. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is a type of cholesterol often referred to as “bad” cholesterol. It's composed of fat and protein, transporting cholesterol to various parts of the body. High levels of LDL can lead to the buildup of fatty deposits in arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This buildup narrows the arteries, reducing blood flow and potentially leading to heart diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes. Therefore, maintaining a healthy level of LDL is crucial for cardiovascular health, as elevated LDL levels significantly increase the risk of heart-related ailments. Managing LDL often involves diet, exercise, and sometimes medication.

Plant-based activists love to fixate on LDL and claim that the vegan diet significantly lowers it, but Lugavere points out that the decrease in LDL in this particular study was most likely because the vegan twins “ate fewer calories and more fiber” while also eating less saturated fat. “You could easily achieve this with a diet that includes meat,” he says. 

An important factor that wasn’t covered enough was the fact that there were different lifestyle factors between the twins, such as exercise habits and diet preferences. It’s impossible to fully understand the context and impact of diet without also taking into account all the other lifestyle factors (even things like sleep and stress) that would affect someone’s overall health. 

“Overall, it was a short-term study (8 weeks), and the vegan diet did have drawbacks that are swept under the rug – less protein, lower B12 intake, and lower dietary satisfaction, for example. We don’t know how these changes would play out over the long term,” Lugavere writes. We simply don’t have enough information to make the broad claim that the vegan diet is best.

Viewers are also told that the beef and cattle industry is inherently evil and burning down the whole Amazon rainforest, all farmers are abusive to both the animals and land, and the fish you eat are parasitic and diseased. Of course, there may be some truth to these, but to claim that this is true across the board is obviously false. It may all seem harmless, but there are many women who are falling for the lies of veganism – and it’s harming their health and fertility.

Veganism Can Actually Be Very Unhealthy for Women 

Miley Cyrus, a well-known animal enthusiast, has rescued numerous dogs and cares for a variety of animals at her properties in Nashville and Calabasas. A staunch advocate for animal rights, Miley has long been vocal about the ethical and health benefits of a vegan lifestyle. However, in a striking revelation during a 2020 interview on the Joe Rogan Experience, Miley announced that she had abandoned her vegan diet due to health concerns, particularly regarding her brain function.

Miley, who was 27 at the time, explained that despite being vegan from 2013 to 2019, she had to reintroduce fish and omega-3 fatty acids into her diet. “My brain wasn’t functioning properly,” she confessed, indicating that the decision to alter her diet was not taken lightly. She acknowledged experiencing signs of malnutrition and felt that she was "running on empty," despite taking supplements and consuming protein shakes. Joe Rogan joked that Miley's departure from veganism might attract criticism from vegan activists. Miley responded with acceptance, indicating that her health was her priority over adhering to a diet that was not meeting her nutritional needs.

Miley's situation is not unique, as vegan diets can sometimes lead to various nutritional deficiencies. These can include low levels of vitamin B12, iron, and essential omega-3 fatty acids. By reintroducing fish and meat into her diet, Miley reported feeling sharper and more nourished. 

Key nutrients that are often lacking in a vegan diet include zinc, iron, vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and iodine.

A recent caution from fertility experts also suggests that a vegan diet might pose challenges for women attempting to conceive. Grace Dugdale, a reproductive biologist, acknowledges the health benefits of a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and legumes. However, she warns that the growing trend of veganism might lead to nutrient deficiencies detrimental to women's fertility. Key nutrients that are often lacking in a vegan diet include zinc, iron, vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and iodine. These nutrients are crucial for reproductive health and are typically found in meat, oily fish, dairy, and white fish.

Dugdale, who advises infertile couples on nutrition, spoke at the Fertility Show in London, emphasizing the importance of adequate nutrition for conceiving. She understands the ethical and environmental motivations behind veganism but suggests that women with depleted nutrient levels might benefit from reintroducing a small amount of meat and fish into their diets. This advice is based on the fact that vegan diets, if not properly supplemented, can lead to low levels of vital nutrients necessary for the development of the baby.

Plant-based milks often lack iodine, a nutrient readily available in cow's milk. Similarly, while leafy green vegetables are a source of iron, the iron from these plants is not as easily absorbed by the body as the iron found in meat. Additionally, zinc and omega 3, both found in meat, are known to enhance men's sperm count and motility.

Rehan Salim, a consultant in gynecology and reproductive medicine at Imperial College Healthcare, also spoke at the Fertility Show. He advised women, especially those considering freezing their eggs, on the importance of protein in their diet, recommending the consumption of both meat and vegetables. Both Dugdale and Salim stress that men also require a balanced diet rich in these nutrients for the production of good quality sperm. Dugdale, along with Professor Adam Balen, has authored The Fertility Book, a guide to achieving a healthy pregnancy, which underscores the significance of proper nutrition in fertility for both men and women.

Closing Thoughts

If someone insists on going vegan for ethical reasons, that’s one thing, but it’s quite another to claim that the diet is healthier for everyone and will lead to better physical outcomes for us all. While there are certainly some people who do just fine on a vegan diet (at least temporarily), we have to figure out from an honest perspective what’s best for ourselves, and that will rarely include an extreme elimination diet like veganism. 

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