Unlocking Health Secrets: Netflix Series 'You Are What You Eat' Reveals Surprising Benefits of a Vegan Lifestyle

Just a few months ago, a groundbreaking study on identical twins shed light on the profound effects of meat-based and vegan diets. Now, the Netflix documentary "You Are What You Eat," inspired by this research, is taking viewers on a journey into the world of plant-based living, showcasing its impact on health and nutrition. Director Louie Psihoyos, the visionary behind the documentary, is aiming to replicate the success of previous vegan documentaries and make a splash during Veganuary with this new docuseries.

 

Based on a recent Stanford study involving 22 pairs of identical twins, the documentary delves into the effects of a vegan diet versus a meat-based diet. The research sought to eliminate genetic differences and lifestyle factors, providing insights into the connection between plant-based diets and cardiovascular health. Given that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, the findings are particularly significant.

 

The star-studded documentary features prominent figures such as vegan cheese expert Miyoko Schinner, Impossible Foods founder Pat Brown, renowned chef Daniel Humm, US senator Cory Booker, public health nutritionist Tracye McQuirter, Clean Disruption author Tony Seba, and alt-meat company Prime Roots founder Kimberlie Le.

 

Across four engaging episodes, "You Are What You Eat" not only highlights the Stanford study but also explores the challenges and triumphs of the twin participants, raises concerns about dietary guidelines, discusses the shift towards plant-based cooking, and reveals the study's compelling results.

 

So, what did the study uncover?

 

The research, comparing whole-food plant-based diets to omnivorous diets including chicken, fish, eggs, cheese, and other animal-derived foods, tracked participants' weight and blood profiles at three intervals. The initial month saw the most significant changes, with those on a vegan diet experiencing lower levels of LDL cholesterol, insulin, and body weight—factors associated with improved cardiovascular health compared to their meat-eating counterparts.

 

At the study's commencement, vegans had an average baseline LDL cholesterol level of 110.7 mg/dL, while meat-eaters measured 118.5 mg/dL. By the end, vegans decreased to 95.5, and meat-eaters to 116.1 (optimal LDL cholesterol level below 100). Vegan participants also exhibited a 20% reduction in fasting insulin levels and shed an average of 4.2 lbs (1.9kg) compared to omnivores.

 

The plant-based group consumed more fiber and less saturated fat, with the bulkiness of grains promoting satiety and reduced calorie intake. Christopher Gardner, the lead author, emphasized the significance of cutting back on saturated fat, increasing dietary fiber, and losing weight for heart health, stating, "Based on these results and thinking about longevity, most of us would benefit from adopting a more plant-based diet."

 

So, what's in store in "You Are What You Eat"?

 

The documentary, narrated by Gardner, critiques the Standard American Diet (SAD), labeling it as "not very healthy." It explores the consequences of a food culture built on processed foods, a result of decades of influential marketing and lobbying by the meat and dairy industry. The series delves deep into health and nutrition topics, challenging the accuracy of BMI and advocating for metrics like body composition, microbial and gut bacteria composition, telomere loss (slowing aging), visceral fat accumulation, and sexual factors.

 

Renowned nutritionist and plant-based advocate Michael Greger stresses the importance of mindful eating, stating, "What we put in our mouths is more important than anything else." Greger highlights the certainty that processed meat causes cancer, comparing it to the established links between cigarette smoke, plutonium, and cancer.

 

A highlight of the documentary is the contribution of Daniel Humm, the three-Michelin-starred chef who transformed his New York City eatery into a predominantly plant-based establishment after receiving the World's Best Restaurant award. Humm reflects on the rapid changes in the food industry, emphasizing the impact of animal farming globally and expressing a responsibility to address these issues.

 

Have the twins maintained their dietary changes?

 

"You Are What You Eat" follows four twin pairs from the study. Pam and Wendy, who run a catering business, Charlie and Michael, cheesemakers and food safety experts, Carolyn and Rosalyn, Filipino sisters with diverse professions, and Jevon and John, nursing students with a penchant for frozen, processed food.

 

Post-experiment, one twin expresses, "For me, plant-based eating is the direction to go." All the twins, initially omnivores or pescetarians, modified their meat consumption post-documentary. Pam and Wendy reduced their meat intake by half, John and Jevon eliminated red meat, and Carolyn and Rosalyn embraced a more plant-based diet.

 

The most significant transformation occurred with Charlie and Michael. Charlie, almost 90% vegetarian, retains chicken soup and certain Chinese favorites. Michael, formerly a pescetarian, now fully embraces a vegetarian lifestyle. Their shift was motivated by concerns about climate change, animal welfare, worker safety, food safety, and health, aligning with the study's surprising findings.

 

The Stanford researchers, themselves taken aback by the results, noted increased life expectancy, reduced visceral fat and heart disease risk, and a heightened sexual drive among those following a vegan diet. Christopher Gardner concludes, "We can solve a lot of issues that are hurting us and cropping our planet by just rethinking what's at the end of our fork."

 

In conclusion, "You Are What You Eat" not only unveils the groundbreaking Stanford study results but also presents a compelling narrative of individuals adopting plant-based lifestyles and reaping unexpected health benefits. As we embark on a new year, perhaps it's time for many of us to consider the positive impact a plant-based diet can have on our overall well-being.