Food For Thought (& Health Optimisation)

Diet is often a polarising topic. Given the plethora of available information, and opinions, and the cherry-picking of data to suit a narrative, it can be difficult to know the truth.?

On this episode of A Niche Thing with Aneesh Bhasin, Sangeetha Aiyer, Nutritionist, and Founder of 'Rewrite My Story' joins us to give us yet another perspective on the implications of our dietary choices. Because, regardless of the lifestyle we choose to follow, it is good to be informed.??

Sangeetha has years of personal and professional experience backed by scientific research about diet and health. This episode steers clear of any questions about morality but focuses on scientific reasons as to whether eating meat is good for you.

While being healthy has a lot of nuances to it, as homo sapiens sapiens, all humans share a common DNA regardless of country or culture. Our stomach acidity is close to that of a carnivore, designed to digest nutrient-dense food. Having your digestive system overworked with large quantities of food is not a good state. Historically, humans are meant to have a feed and fast cycle.?

An animal-based diet is where a large proportion of what we consume comes from animal-based products, meat, eggs, and dairy. Sangeetha explains the benefits of an animal-based diet, diving into concepts like satiety, performance, mood, and brain fog. Eating meat, evidently, doesn't just affect physical but also mental health.?

Another advantage of an animal-based diet is that proteins and fats are easier to find. One can find all nine amino acids in animal protein that aren't present in vegetarian foods. There isn't a single nutrient or micronutrient that is present in vegetables but not in meat. On the other hand, vegan and vegetarian diets need you to supplement, which Sangeetha refers to as "sub-optimal".?

She goes on to address questions about processed food, factory-farmed meat, antinutrients found in vegetables, and genetically modified foods. She also breaks down her four pillars for healthy eating: prioritizing protein, satiating with healthy fats, controlling carbohydrates and removing sugars.?

In the spirit of unlearning, relearning and having an open mind, this episode challenges us to go beyond the surface and make informed choices about our diet and lifestyle. An absolute must-listen!