The Future of Food: Is meat still viable?
Soon there will be nine billion humans on the planet, and almost all of us would like to see meat...
It's a no-carb life: How healthy is the trendy carnivore diet?
Raw steaks for lunch, or even a whole stick of butter. No vegetables, no fruit, no bread – only meat, fish, eggs and dairy. Adherents of the carnivore diet swear by animal products as their sole source of sustenance. But what's the science behind it? Is meat-only a revolutionary health trend or a dangerous experiment?
The latest diet craze goes all in on animal products: Meat, fish, eggs and dairy. No vegetables, no fruit, no carbs. What sounds like an extreme form of low-carb eating is praised by adherents of the carnivore diet as the ultimate path to better health and well-being, convinced that animal products contain all the nutrients a body needs. But is that really so? The scientific consensus is that a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables is the healthiest. Falstaff did some investigating.
The advantages
Calling themselves "carnis", disciples of the zero carb lifestyle have been gathering steam online, claiming improved digestion after living exclusively on animal products for weeks, months, and, in some cases, years. Cutting out plants from their diet, they say, results in less flatulence, irritable bowel syndrome or diarrhea. Their reasoning: The gastrointestinal system does not have to process plant fibers that are difficult to digest.
Another advantage is weight reduction: According to on instagram, a high protein intake and avoidance of carbohydrates makes it easier for the body to break down fat while also promoting muscle growth. Others report an improvement or even reduction of the symptoms of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatism, Crohn's disease or psoriasis. Carnivores say they feel healthier – and more mentally aware – than with any other diet.
Health concerns
The only problem is that there is no scientific basis in evidence-based medicine that a purely carnivorous diet is sufficient to provide all the essential nutrients our bodies need to function and heal. Medical specialists and scientists are particularly concerned about the health risks that such a limited diet can entail.
Studies show that a meat-heavy diet can increase LDL cholesterol levels (the "bad" cholesterol) which promotes vasoconstriction, thus increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke. There is also evidence that excessive consumption of processed meat – like sausage, ham, or bacon – can increase the risk of certain types of cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) even classifies processed meat as "carcinogenic". In addition, there are insufficient long-term studies on the effects of the carnivore diet.
What carnivores lack
While animal products contain many vitamins and minerals, some essential micronutrients are almost completely nonexistent or only present in trace amounts. Long-term deficiencies can lead to health problems such as digestive issues, a weakened immune system or increased risk of chronic diseases. Here is an overview of the most important nutrients that are missing or insufficient in a purely carnivorous diet:
| Nutrient | Function |
Main sources (vegetable) | Possible deficiency symptoms |
| Vitamin C | Strengthens the immune system, supports healing, vital for collagen formation, antioxidant | Fruit (citrus fruits, berries), vegetables (peppers, broccoli) | Weaker immune defenses, poor healing, increased susceptibility to infection, scurvy (in extreme cases) |
| Dietary fiber | Promotes intestinal health, regulates blood sugar and cholesterol levels | Wholemeal products, pulses, fruit, vegetables | Digestive problems, constipation, increased risk of bowel cancer and cardiovascular disease |
| Magnesium | Supports muscle function, the nervous system and energy production, important for the heart and bones | Nuts, seeds, wholegrain products, pulses | Muscle cramps, fatigue, sleep disorders, cardiac arrhythmia |
| Vitamin K1 | Essential for blood clotting, keeps bones healthy | Green, leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, broccoli) | Increased tendency to bleed, weaker bones |
| Vitamin E | Antioxidant, protects cells from damage | Nuts, seeds, vegetable oils | Increased susceptibility to cell damage, weaker skin health |
| Folic acid | Essential for DNA synthesis and cell division, vital during pregnancy | Green vegetables, pulses, wholegrain products | Anemia, developmental disorders in utero, fatigue, concentration problems |
| Potassium | Regulates blood pressure and water balance, important for muscle function and the nervous system | Bananas, potatoes, beans | High blood pressure, muscle weakness, cardiac arrhythmia |
In the short term, the carnivore diet may offer benefits, particularly its weight loss or anti-inflammatory effects. In the long term, however, it is potentially problematic due to nutrient deficiencies, as many essential micronutrients are missing. A balanced diet with both plant- and animal-based nutrition offers the best protection against deficiency symptoms. However, carnivores are not shy about touting their dietary philosophy as loudly as possible.
The power of social media
Personal success stories spread rapidly on social media, which are often presented as proof of the effectiveness of certain diets – even if they are purely anecdotal. People who lose weight quickly on the carnivore diet share their experiences online, along with their sense of feeling fitter. These individual reports are more convincing to many than abstract scientific studies, as they create a direct, emotional connection.
Freedom of choice?
At first glance, nutrition appears to be a purely personal choice – but it has long since become a political symbol. While the left often advocates plant-based diets and sustainability, some representatives of the right see (excessive) meat consumption as a conscious counter-statement. For them, going carnivore is not just a question of preference, but a political act of resistance against a supposedly "woke" agenda that promotes environmental preservation , animal rights and veganism.
Some food for thought in parting: what would happen if everyone ate like a carnivore? That would simply be untenable – both ecologically and economically. Ultimately, the carnivore diet is an individualistic approach without regard to long-term health, social, or environmental consequences.
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