Dr Anthony Chaffee is an American medical doctor specialising in Neurosurgery who over a span of 20 years has researched the optimal nutritional habits for athletic performance and health. It is his assertion that most of the so-called chronic diseases that doctors treat these days are actually caused by the food we eat, or don’t eat, and can in many cases be reversed easily with dietary changes.
Dr. Chaffee began his University education studying Molecular & Cellular Biology with a Minor in Chemistry at the University of Washington in Seattle at the age of 15, which culminated in attaining his MD from the Royal College of Surgeons.
Dr. Chaffee is an All-American rugby player and a former professional athlete in England and America, having taken several years off from his education for the pursuit of sports between his undergraduate degree and medical school. Throughout his athletic career he saw first hand the monumental difference that diet makes to performance and recovery.
Dr. Chaffee almost accidentally came across and practiced a fully carnivorous diet from age 20 to 25, having first learned of the toxic nature of plants during his University education. Since then he has rediscovered this truth and more and has dedicated many years and a large part of his professional practice to the study and education of diet and nutrition. He personally practices a fully carnivorous diet and currently resides in Perth, Australia where he does private consultations and clinics in functional medicine and nutrition.
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Dr. Anthony Chaffee - 'Plants are trying to kill you!'
Dr. Anthony Chaffee discusses the nutritional dangers of plants, arguing that they contain toxic defense chemicals which can be harmful to human health. He explains how plants evolve to protect themselves, leading to the presence of various toxins that can cause adverse health effects. He promotes a meat-based diet, suggesting that eliminating plants can lead to significant health improvements.
Key Points
Plants' defense mechanisms
Plants are living organisms that develop defense mechanisms to prevent being eaten by animals. These defenses often take the form of toxic chemicals designed to harm or kill herbivores, making many plants inedible for humans and animals alike.
Toxic chemicals in common vegetables
Dr. Chaffee presents evidence that many commonly consumed vegetables, including Brussel sprouts, spinach, and almonds, contain harmful toxins and carcinogens. He emphasizes that these naturally occurring substances can lead to serious health issues over time.
The role of lectins
Lectins, a type of protein found in various plant foods, are linked to negative health effects including digestive issues and autoimmune diseases. They can interfere with insulin and leptin signaling, contributing to overeating and metabolic disorders.
Misconceptions about plant-based diets
Chaffee argues against the common belief that plant-based diets are inherently healthy. He points out that many plant foods contain natural pesticides and toxins that far exceed those found in processed foods.
Evolutionary co-adaptation
The evolutionary arms race between plants and animals has led to specialized diets in certain species that can consume plants without harmful effects. Most animals do not have the adaptations needed to safely consume many plants, highlighting the risks associated with a plant-heavy human diet.
Treat the root cause, not the symptoms