In Episode #216, I sit down with Dr David Jenkins to discuss the relationship between cholesterol and health. Cholesterol levels are concerningly high among populations consuming a standard Western diet. On the flip side, plant-based diets are often criticised for their lack of cholesterol. We know that cholesterol is an essential component of the human body - but is it necessary to consume it, and is this a concern for plant-based eaters? Dr David Jenkins answers this question and much more in today's episode. In this episode, we dig into cholesterol and the health implications of sub-optimal levels. We discuss the Portfolio Diet, weight loss, and the current research on cholesterol. Dr Jenkins also shares his recommendations on how and what to eat for optimal cholesterol levels, as well as how medication compares to a lifestyle approach. Specifically, we cover: •Intro [0:00] •Researching Cholesterol & Diet [2:35] •What this means for you [15:00] •Weight Loss Factor [17:23] •The Portfolio Diet Explained [20:14] •Nuts & Seeds [30:37] •Weight [39:45] •Raising HDL [44:45] •Plant Sterols [50:51] •Should We Eat Fish? [58:52] •Statins [1:07:49] •Outro [1:11:22] You can learn more about Dr Jenkins and discover his publications on his University of Toronto profile. To view or purchase his daughter's book, The Portfolio Diet for Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction, you can do so here. The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out, and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. Make sure to head to theproof.com/podcast for the full show notes. Enjoy, friends. Simon Want to support the show? If you are enjoying The Proof a great way to support the show is by leaving a review on the Apple Podcasts or a comment on YouTube. It only takes a few minutes and helps more people find the episodes. •Simon Hill, Msc, Bsc (Hons) •Creator of Theproof.com and host of The Proof with Simon Hill •Author of The Proof is in the Plants •Watch the episodes on YouTube, or Listen on Apple/Spotify •Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook •Download my complimentary two week meal plan and
In Episode #215, I'm joined by Dr Richard Johnson to discuss obesity, fructose, and metabolic disease. "Fructose" has become something of a fear word in modern diet culture. It is often positioned as the villain, without the in-depth breakdown of where we are sourcing this fructose and the quantities it is consumed in. Similarly, the relationship between health and obesity is hotly contested. Dr Richard Johnson sits down with me today to clarify the scientific relationship between these factors, getting into what the evidence tells us. In this episode, we take a broader view at the history of obesity before honing in on the biology and mechanisms. We discuss the ideology of obesity, whether you can be healthy at any size, and the degree of risk related to where you store fat. We also cover a variety of animal studies, sources of fructose, and how the modern food environment shapes our body weight. Specifically, we discuss: •Intro [0:00] •History of Obesity [2:30] •Body Fat & Heal...
In Episode #214, I sit down with Josh Tetrick to discuss reshaping our food system towards plant-based products and slaughter-free meat alternatives. As animal-free proteins grow in popularity, technologies for creating them are too. Josh Tetrick wants to reshape our food system, and joins me today to share his journey with Eat Just. Josh is committed to facilitating innovation in the plant-based sphere and offers valuable insight into emerging technologies in today's episode. In this episode, we discuss business as a force for change and the future of the animal-free industry. Josh shares some of his story, explaining where he found the drive to act and how he raised more than half a billion dollars. We look deeper into Eat Just's products, specifically their very successful "Just Egg". We also discuss the nutritional profile of cultivated meat and other plant-based alternatives; challenges Josh has overcome; and the benefits of alternative products. Specifically, we cover: •Intro...
In Episode #213, Dr Jenna Macciochi joins me for a deep dive into the human immune system. "Immunity" has become a buzzword in health spheres at the moment. From supplement marketing to recipe promotion, there seem to be countless quick-fix products or ingredients to "boost" and improve the immune system. But is there any validity to these claims? Dr Jenna Macciochi joins me today to look deeper into what actually creates a balanced immune system. In this episode, we cover broader explanations of what the immune system is and what it does before getting into the finer details. Dr Macciochi also provides an abundance of applicable information, explaining the mechanisms behind what impacts the immune system. We discuss the extent of control we have over our own immune system, indications of a disrupted immune system, and the importance of gut health. Dr Macciochi also shares insight into vaccines, inflammation, diet, and supplementation. Specifically, we cover: •Intro [0:00] •Becomi...
In Episode #212, Dr Eric Rawson joins me to examine the muscular and cognitive effects of creatine. Performance supplementation is a flooded field. With supplementation sceptics on one hand and relentless marketing promotion on the other, it can be difficult to know what to believe. Dr Eric Rawson joins me today for an in-depth conversation on creatine, breaking down everything you need to know about this widely studied compound. In this episode, we cover the basics of creatine consumption and push deeper into specific, common questions people may have. You will learn about the muscular performance and brain health benefits of creatine for people of different demographics, including age, gender, and diet. Dr Rawson also outlines dosage guidelines, addresses common concerns people may have, and speaks to the evidence we have about safety. Specifically, we cover: •Intro [0:00] •Breakthrough Creatine Research [1:53] •What Creatine is [11.00] •Is Creating Essential? [12:48] •Testin...
In Episode #211, I sit down with Dr Jared Raynes to discuss precision fermentation and the future of dairy. As our world becomes more populated and animal agriculture continues to unsustainably expand, we need to examine alternatives to the products people know and love. While animal-free dairy may sound like an impossible feat, innovation in the field of precision fermentation is proving otherwise. Dr Jared Raynes joins me today to explain what precision fermentation is, where this technology is now, and where it can take us in the future. By listening to this episode, you'll gain an understanding of what precision fermentation is from both a scientific and outcome-based perspective. We break down the benefits of animal-free dairy, explain how it is created, and address potential concerns about genetic modification. Dr Raynes also offers insight into where this technology is used already, where it's heading, and when we can expect to see animal-free dairy products on the shelves. S...
In Episode #210, Professor Stuart Phillips returns to expand on our conversation about using science to improve training outcomes. One very common criticism of a plant-based diet is that it's difficult to meet protein requirements due to both quantity and quality of plant-based protein sources. "Evidence" provided for this often centres around amino acid profiles, linking back to the DIAAS and PDCAAS protein scoring systems. Today, Professor Stuart Phillips offers clarity on this topic and much more useful information on what to consume, in what form, and when. In this episode, we cover a whole suite of information that is highly relevant and applicable for those looking to improve their training outcomes. In addition to briefly revisiting the basics of protein consumption, we discuss distribution and timing, protein needs for older people, and protein quality scoring systems. We also dive into supplementation for those looking to improve performance and muscle protein synthesis, in...
In Episode #209, I sit down with Dr Kristina Harris Jackson to deep dive into the effects of omega-3 consumption on lactation and pregnancy. Dr Kristina Harris Jackson furthers The Proof's exploration of omega-3s in this episode, offering her expertise in a discussion centred around maternal health. Nutrition during pregnancy can be a sensitive and confusing topic; when parents are trying to do everything they can to ensure optimal health outcomes, the abundance of available information is overwhelming. Today, Dr Harris Jackson provides some much-needed clarity and insight into omega-3s and pregnancy. In this episode, we cover a whole suite of information around omega-3s across early life stages. You will learn about the importance of nutritional biomarkers and exactly how important omega-3s are during pregnancy. We also discuss the potential effect of DHA on gestation length, inflammation during pregnancy, and how genetic variations may affect omega-3 conversion. Finally, Dr Harris...
In Episode #208, I'm joined by expert researcher Dr Bill Harris to discuss the relationship between omega-3 fatty acids and human health. Increasingly, online nutrition conversation is moving away from scientific literature and is more heavily influenced by marketing and controversial claims for personal gain. Whether people are making these statements to grow their online community or capitalise on a financial opportunity, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are yet another topic surrounded by bold claims. In this episode, you'll learn about the different types of dietary fats and why saturation is important in terms of human health. We cover the connection between cholesterol, fat saturation, and heart disease; the benefits or potential concerns of consuming omega-3s; supplementation guidelines; omega-6s and inflammation; the difference between adequate and optimal intake; and much more. Specifically, we cover: •Intro [0:00] •What are fats? [5:21] •Harris' research [10:28] •Dietar...
In Episode #207, Dr Gil Carvalho explains how to approach nutrition information from an evidence-based viewpoint, breaking down the details of data analysis. In recent years, we've seen a huge influx of information being presented as fact without any real scientific foundations. Being able to assess the validity of these claims is critical, and Dr Carvalho offers useful insight into how a layperson can approach them. In today's episode, we shift the focus away from what to think about the science of nutrition onto how to think about it. You'll learn how to assess scientific claims with Dr Carvalho's "Three P's" framework. We apply this framework to a few examples, exploring cooking oils, red meat, eggs, and cholesterol. We also discuss the nuance of evidence hierarchies, and much more. Specifically, we cover: •Intro [0:00] •Gil's Story [4:50] •How we Think About Nutrition [10:30] •What is Proof [14:50] •Observational & Randomized Control Trials [28:40] •Evaluating the Impact o...