True or False: Vegan Diet Fact Check | Dr. Neal Barnard | Exam Room LIVE

Eating a vegan diet will negatively alter your mitochondria and destroy your health. That is a claim circulating and widely believed to be true although research shows it's not one rooted in science. It is false.

Nutrition claims are put to the test in this True or False edition of The Exam Room LIVE.

Dr. Neal Barnard joins "The Weight Loss Champion" Chuck Carroll to dispel myths from reality and separate fact from fiction.

On the Show
- True or false: It is impossible to meet all nutritional requirements without eating meat.
- True or false: A vegan diet has half the amount of protein as a regular diet.
- True or false: Plant protein is not complete protein.
- True or false: Eating a vegan diet is 150% more expensive than the average grocery bill.
- True or false: Vegan men often have a low sperm count.
- True or false: Eating a vegan diet increases the risk of developing an eating disorder.
- True or false: Vegans are more likely to suffer from depression.
- And more

Dr. Barnard is the author of The Power Foods Diet: The Breakthrough Plan That Traps, Tames, and Burns Calories for Easy and Permanent Weight Loss.

This episode is sponsored by The Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund, which supports organizations like the Physicians Committee that carry on Greg’s passion and love for animals through rescue efforts, veganism, and wildlife conservation.

[susanlemee]

Thank you Chuck and Dr Barnard! Going vegan was the best thing I ever did for my health. I am 70 yrs old now and my blood work is better than ever. My dr can’t believe it. Thank you!!

[Scor-ah]

I used to be anemic my whole life till I went plant based 7 yrs ago

[JillWhitcomb]

Some outstanding benefits that I've noticed with a plant-based diet are hair and skin improvements. I'm 58 years old and only have about 15 % grey/ white hair. My skin looks glowing, fresh, and smooth. Aside from a few fine lines on my forehead, there isn't an abundance of wrinkles on my face, no age spots, and no dryness. I credit this to eating things like oatmeal, chia seeds, ground flax, beans & lentils, 4-5 cups of veggies per day, along with an abundance of spices such as cinnamon, cumin, curry, red pepper flakes. I also consume hot black tea, chilled hibiscus tea, and spearmint tea-- all which are loaded with antioxidants.

[ZmogusJaponija]

This channel is BY FAR the best source of nutrition information.

[blue-fjky]

Thank you to the Gregory J. Reiter family. You are making our world a better place.

[kittybeck]

I'm very happy eating plant based. Thank you Dr. Barnard (& Dr. McDougall). I hate it when people call vegans "soy boy." They so don't understand! I've been eating this way for five or six years (lost track). I don't cook that much anymore & I eat simply. I am not perfect - I like Earth Balance & sometimes vegan mayo. Once in a while, I might have fish & tater tots! But am very strict about no meat or dairy. Vegan almond milk yogurt is great - I mix in a little blueberry sauce & yum! In my 70s and on no meds. I don't miss animal products at all. I think doctors won't encourage a vegan diet because they might lose business.

[orthohawk]

I'm so over the "a vegan diet is so expensive!" trope! I spend 30 dollars a week on my food (and that's on the high end!) Sure, it's more expensive if you're gonna insist on eating all the fake meats and cheeses and processed garbage. Whole food plant based is the cheapest diet there is!!
and about the man boobs: if soy were the miracle boob growing bean like everyone says, the food industry would be marketing the heck out of it for that!

[dianamarie]

Well said, green leafy vegetables are power houses! I love roasted Brussels sprouts, brown rice, and onions! Yum

[michelebonansinga]

I adore all that you both do to better the lives of others! Thank you!!!!

[lois]

I just love Neal Barnard. He is such a good teacher. Great interview Chuck! Keep up the good work!

[adblas]

I eat Natto and it actually makes me feel happy. If you won’t eat natto, eat sauerkraut or kimchi or plant based yogurt. When you eat vegetables it increases your good gut bacteria, which improves your mood.

[mini]

Thank you both so much for all the important information 😇love the lavender color of Chucks tie and shirt combo🙏🙏both of you are greatly appreciated🌴🌞💅💅

[patty-cfjj]

As a vegan of over 20 years I agree that the vegan diet is not restrictive at all EXCEPT it is STILL very difficult to eat in restaurants. It’s getting better but it depends on where you are. London is easy but that’s about it. I’m in Boston and it’s still surprisingly tricky. It frustrates me immensely to go out to eat and have to constantly make special requests. It can be as easy as asking to leave the cheese off of something or it can be almost impossible.

[yukonnoka]

When early humans started eating meat it was because the tropical environment in which they lived began to dry out. This is why the early form of giraffe which was shorter than the modern long necked one died off and went extinct. The long necked one survived because it could reach the food available at the tops of the trees. We began eating some meat due to starvation brought about by climate change. Doesn't mean that we were meant to eat meat.

[georgewilson]

Whole Vegan diet. I suffered from metabolic syndrome (obesity, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, and high blood sugar). I went whole food plant based no sugar or oil and low salt and I lost 65 pounds, all my conditions greatly improved, my gums stopped bleeding, and erections and energy returned. I used to have an appetite that was never satisfied; whole foods cured it. I no longer use a sleep apnea machine. Finally, the food is cheap-Beans, lentils, sprouted flourless grain bread, rice, oats, potatoes and seasonal apples. Also, I save money by not having to buy pills or visit the Doctor. I am thankful to all the vegans who suffered attacks to reveal the truth to me.

[danarmstrong]

Great format! It should be on a regular rotation.

[gillesgauthier]

Thanks Chuck and Dr. Barnard! You are amazing Chuck, all the topics you choose are interesting. It's always a pleasure to listen to your podcast when I'm in my car.

[daviddad]

So is Dr. Bernard he saying we cannot or should not eat meat!

[DisHsDd]

Broccoli has the following protein content : A 100-g serving of broccoli contains 2.8 g of protein (x 4 cal/g = 11.2 cal from protein) and 34 calories. Protein accounts for 33% of its calories. (11.2 ÷ 34 = 32.94%)

[SuperDonnaMO]

I have become worried that I have Orthorexia Nervosa. I have been following a whole food plant based way of eating for 3 years and I have never felt worse. I won't be stopping but I am at a loss.