In the latest Eat Green Make Green podcast with Pat McAuley, I had the opportunity to dive into some of the common diet myths circulating online, such as misconceptions about seed oils, oats, eggs, and cholesterol. During our conversation, I tackled these topics from a research-based perspective, clearing up myths like the so-called dangers of seed oils and the alleged harm of blood sugar spikes from foods like oatmeal. We discussed how people often categorize plant-based foods as “highly processed” and, therefore, unhealthy without looking at the broader nutritional quality or the specific impact of individual foods.
One of the central things we covered was the myth that plant proteins are inferior to animal proteins. Contrary to popular belief, studies show that plant proteins, when consumed in a balanced way, support muscle growth and overall health just as effectively as animal-based proteins. We also tackled cholesterol and heart disease, underscoring the proven link between high LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular risk, which some proponents of high-meat diets downplay.
This conversation was a fantastic platform to debunk persistent myths and share why evidence-based nutrition choices are so vital for long-term health.
It was a great episode to be part of, and I hope it clarifies some of these complex topics for those looking to make informed dietary decisions.
Dr. Matthew Nagra is a Naturopathic Doctor in Vancouver who is passionate about evidence-based nutrition and medicine. In addition to his online and public speaking work, he employs a wide range lifestyle interventions, including plant-based nutrition, as well as physical therapies in his practice to help his patients prevent or recover from chronic illnesses and physical injuries. Holding a Plant-Based Nutrition Certification from Cornell University and the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies, he has penned several articles on the topic, underlining his specialized training in nutrition.