Dogs have always been a part of our families, so much so that many dog owners even save a seat on their dining tables for their furry friends. While this is all good and well that we shower the canine members of our family with as much love and affection as we do the other members of our family, it’s important for us to remember that their digestive systems and dietary requirements differ from ours.
However, for us humans with our distinctly human dietary requirements, meat is far, far from being an essential food ingredient!
When I met Jeannie back in 2007 it quickly became clear that she was, and had been since the age of 14, a vegetarian. As soon as were living together I joined ‘the club’!
Then a few days ago we both watched a documentary that we saw on Netflix. The film was called What The Health! and, boy oh boy, did it open our eyes. Not just to the very real dangers of eating meat but also fish and chicken. We resolved to become vegans immediately.
There is a website for the film, as in What The Health Film. While the film is only available for Netflix subscribers or may be purchased in other forms, as that website explains, there is a trailer available on YouTube. (The text that follows that trailer is from the Vimeo website.)
What the Health is the groundbreaking follow-up film from the creators of the award winning documentary Cowspiracy. The film follows intrepid filmmaker Kip Andersen as he uncovers the secret to preventing and even reversing chronic diseases – and investigates why the nation’s leading health organizations don’t want us to know about it. With heart disease and cancer the leading causes of death in America, and diabetes at an all-time high, the film reveals possibly the largest health cover-up of our time.
With the help of medical doctors, researchers, and consumer advocates, What the Health exposes the collusion and corruption in government and big business that is costing us trillions of healthcare dollars, and keeping us sick.
Join Kip as he tracks down the leading and most trusted American health nonprofits to find out why these groups are staying silent, despite a growing body of evidence. Audiences will be shocked to learn the insidious roles played by pharmaceutical companies, agribusiness, and processed animal food companies in the nation’s health, especially in the most vulnerable communities, and will cheer at the transformation and recovery of those who took their lives into their own hands.
What The Health is a surprising, and at times hilarious, investigative documentary that will be an eye-opener for everyone concerned about our nation’s health and how big business influences it.
However, in fairness a quick web search comes up with other perspectives. Try this 27-minute interview with Dr. Neal Barnard.
You really should watch it even before you decide to watch What The Health. Please!
The recent pro-vegan Netflix documentary, What the Health, is under fire from nutrition experts. The film, which is co-directed by Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn—the creators of another Netflix documentary, Cowspiracy—and co-produced by actor Joaquin Phoenix, is being criticized by somehealth professionals for exaggerating weak data and misrepresenting science to promote a diet that avoids all animal foods.
TIME fact-checked the film. Here are four things that What the Health got wrong—and what it got right.
Ultimately, it all comes down to personal choices.
Plus, on Monday I shall be republishing a recent article from George Monbiot that addresses the issue.
But I started with a reference to dogs and I shall close by doing the same thing. How many saw the item on the BBC News website about how “A dog that transformed a 104-year-old’s life“?
Image copyright Dona Tracy
Milt Lessner has “always had dogs” throughout his life – and he’s 104 years old, he tells writer Jen Reeder. So are dogs the secret to longevity?
“I’d like to think so,” he says.
“I enjoy the familiarity with them, and the pleasantness, and the bonding – especially the bonding.”
I was a vegetarian for about five years, then went back to including meat in my diet. I currently indulge in meat very sparingly, probably once a month on average. I plan to watch these videos when I have more time. I wonder if they address something I have observed. Namely, when someone pronounces that they are vegan I see a certain self-righteousness and feel the person is looking down on us meat eaters in the most unflattering way. That may be my imagination, but I don’t think so.
Tony, I can only speak on behalf of Jeannie and me. In Jean’s case she became vegetarian because she was shocked at the treatment of cows and pigs. Then in recent times came off dairy as part of her ‘regime’ in combating the progression of Parkinson’s disease. I followed suit because it just made sense.
Then we were both shocked by the film’s reminders of the potential risks in eating chicken and contaminated fish; both foods are included in Dr. Barnard’s interview and that switched us to veganism.
There’s no self-righteousness in our motivations. Just a need to stay as fit and healthy as we can for as long as possible. But can’t speak for other vegans!
That interview is probably easier, for it is included in this post, to view than the film. Please watch it and come to your own conclusion.
Whatever your decision thank you for your feedback.
Thanks, Paul. I wasn’t meaning to cast aspersions on you or your wife. Just passing on something that I have observed. Maybe, it’s just me. Best of luck with your new diets.
Not at all Tony! I am a Vegan and my husband adores his barbecued meat. I don’t have a go at him because it is his choice. He knows the perils of fried meats, nitrate filled pork products, and so on. He likes the taste and is unwilling to give them up. He has cut down a bit though. I suppose I hope equally, that we Vegans will be equally respected. I changed my diet due to some seriously debilitating health issues. As a result of that, I seem to have a better relationship with people and animals. I can’t quite explain that, but to put it into a trite sentence… You are what you eat! I am certainly kinder to animals than my husband. And a heck of a lot more tolerant.
I can only explain my initial transformation to Vegetarian first – some years ago now – as an eye-opening visit to an elephant sanctuary where abused, disabled, traumatised elephants from the tourist trade, were rescued and rehabilitated. Again, I cannot explain that communing with gentle, forgiving giants. It was so profound that my eyes filled with tears. I just couldn’t face eating another animal after that experience.
I am not puritanical about my Veganism. If my husband (he’s the cook) accidentally makes something with an animal product or a friend inadvertently serves up fish (thinking it to be OK), I accept and forgive the mistake. In the case of the fish…it went on to my husbands plate and wasn’t wasted.
It is quite strange really. One of our closest friends (big meat eaters originally) have discovered that Vegan dishes can be really tasty. They now only eat animal protein twice a week…mainly for their own health. And I have not preached at all to them. They have simply eaten some of my Vegan food made by my husband for me. It was them that introduced ‘Crispy Kale’ as a recipe item that makes a most delicious garnish to roasted or baked vegetables.
I think you are really helping the planet by only eating meat once per month. And certainly doing great things for your own health.
Yes, there are some real activists who are hateful to meat eaters, but they are not the majority. If one person cuts out just a little bit of meat each week, they will have improved their health, and saved a few animal lives over the year. That has to be applauded and commended. 👏
Oh and incidentally, those friends who started taking on board some Vegan eating, they originally told me I was nuts and doing myself great harm going Vegan. I took abuse from them and my husband initially. But my resolve was there. My last health check put all my scores for blood sugar, cholesterol, protein, B12, Calcium and liver function into optimal territory. I feel so much better too!
HI, Colette! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Glad to hear that you feel otherwise. Maybe it is just my own limited perception, or I have had bad luck in running into folks who ‘go vegan.’ In any event, I applaud any activity that leads to a healthy and happy life. Keep up the good work!
My meat consumption is very low, but the day cultured meat is available I will never purchase another meat product again. I fear, though, it’ll be banned here in Brazil. One family controls the meat industry here, and they’re the largest exporter of meat in the world. They also have enormous influence over the government.
Great information Paul. As you know, I am a Vegan (three years now). My husband remains an Omnivore, but honours my choice, which is both health based, first, and environmentally and humanely based in addition.
Yes, dogs need meat, and cats even more so (cats cannot tolerate vegetables which dogs, as scavengers, can).
But we humans can actually function better without consuming animal protein. I believe, in our evolution, we became meat eaters during cold periods when our world was covered with snow and ice. We would also follow wolves to their kills… And vice versa…our domesticated dog is the result.
But we function better on plant foods.
I did a post on this last year. There are some great tips there to add to your own, if anyone cares to look.
There is nothing on that post that has a go at meat eaters. I am not one if those sorts of people. But factory farming is of great concern to me and there are other posts and video links in my other blogs that do pertain to the cruelty and poor health of animals raised for mass consumption if they are interested in informing themselves.
I love that you and Jean are trying the ‘Vegan Solution.’ How do you both feel on your new diet?💖💖💖
Wonderful and informative Paul, and I agree with you on the subject.. While I am not a total Vegan my daughter and her partner are, and they both look and feel so much better for going from vegetarian to Vegan. I will most definitely be looking at the video although we do not get NetFlix. I have watched Cowspiricy and encourage others to do so..
Many thanks Paul for sharing .. Always good to read..
Learning from Dogs 
The story about Milt was terrific. I think dogs can help you stay sharp & ahead of the aging game by forcing you to engage in activities.
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Yes! Yes! and Yes! 🐶 And helping us to bathe in love until we take our last breath! Thank you, Susan.
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I was a vegetarian for about five years, then went back to including meat in my diet. I currently indulge in meat very sparingly, probably once a month on average. I plan to watch these videos when I have more time. I wonder if they address something I have observed. Namely, when someone pronounces that they are vegan I see a certain self-righteousness and feel the person is looking down on us meat eaters in the most unflattering way. That may be my imagination, but I don’t think so.
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Tony, I can only speak on behalf of Jeannie and me. In Jean’s case she became vegetarian because she was shocked at the treatment of cows and pigs. Then in recent times came off dairy as part of her ‘regime’ in combating the progression of Parkinson’s disease. I followed suit because it just made sense.
Then we were both shocked by the film’s reminders of the potential risks in eating chicken and contaminated fish; both foods are included in Dr. Barnard’s interview and that switched us to veganism.
There’s no self-righteousness in our motivations. Just a need to stay as fit and healthy as we can for as long as possible. But can’t speak for other vegans!
That interview is probably easier, for it is included in this post, to view than the film. Please watch it and come to your own conclusion.
Whatever your decision thank you for your feedback.
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Thanks, Paul. I wasn’t meaning to cast aspersions on you or your wife. Just passing on something that I have observed. Maybe, it’s just me. Best of luck with your new diets.
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Tony, please believe me that it wasn’t read as an aspersion on Jean and me. Indeed, you may be right in your observation. Best wishes to you!
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Not at all Tony! I am a Vegan and my husband adores his barbecued meat. I don’t have a go at him because it is his choice. He knows the perils of fried meats, nitrate filled pork products, and so on. He likes the taste and is unwilling to give them up. He has cut down a bit though. I suppose I hope equally, that we Vegans will be equally respected. I changed my diet due to some seriously debilitating health issues. As a result of that, I seem to have a better relationship with people and animals. I can’t quite explain that, but to put it into a trite sentence… You are what you eat! I am certainly kinder to animals than my husband. And a heck of a lot more tolerant.
I can only explain my initial transformation to Vegetarian first – some years ago now – as an eye-opening visit to an elephant sanctuary where abused, disabled, traumatised elephants from the tourist trade, were rescued and rehabilitated. Again, I cannot explain that communing with gentle, forgiving giants. It was so profound that my eyes filled with tears. I just couldn’t face eating another animal after that experience.
I am not puritanical about my Veganism. If my husband (he’s the cook) accidentally makes something with an animal product or a friend inadvertently serves up fish (thinking it to be OK), I accept and forgive the mistake. In the case of the fish…it went on to my husbands plate and wasn’t wasted.
It is quite strange really. One of our closest friends (big meat eaters originally) have discovered that Vegan dishes can be really tasty. They now only eat animal protein twice a week…mainly for their own health. And I have not preached at all to them. They have simply eaten some of my Vegan food made by my husband for me. It was them that introduced ‘Crispy Kale’ as a recipe item that makes a most delicious garnish to roasted or baked vegetables.
I think you are really helping the planet by only eating meat once per month. And certainly doing great things for your own health.
Yes, there are some real activists who are hateful to meat eaters, but they are not the majority. If one person cuts out just a little bit of meat each week, they will have improved their health, and saved a few animal lives over the year. That has to be applauded and commended. 👏
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Oh and incidentally, those friends who started taking on board some Vegan eating, they originally told me I was nuts and doing myself great harm going Vegan. I took abuse from them and my husband initially. But my resolve was there. My last health check put all my scores for blood sugar, cholesterol, protein, B12, Calcium and liver function into optimal territory. I feel so much better too!
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HI, Colette! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Glad to hear that you feel otherwise. Maybe it is just my own limited perception, or I have had bad luck in running into folks who ‘go vegan.’ In any event, I applaud any activity that leads to a healthy and happy life. Keep up the good work!
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My meat consumption is very low, but the day cultured meat is available I will never purchase another meat product again. I fear, though, it’ll be banned here in Brazil. One family controls the meat industry here, and they’re the largest exporter of meat in the world. They also have enormous influence over the government.
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Of course! Hadn’t thought of the connection between Brazil and meat until reading your response! Best not to promote this blog locally! 😉
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nice story and nice post!
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Thank you!
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Great information Paul. As you know, I am a Vegan (three years now). My husband remains an Omnivore, but honours my choice, which is both health based, first, and environmentally and humanely based in addition.
Yes, dogs need meat, and cats even more so (cats cannot tolerate vegetables which dogs, as scavengers, can).
But we humans can actually function better without consuming animal protein. I believe, in our evolution, we became meat eaters during cold periods when our world was covered with snow and ice. We would also follow wolves to their kills… And vice versa…our domesticated dog is the result.
But we function better on plant foods.
I did a post on this last year. There are some great tips there to add to your own, if anyone cares to look.
https://colettebytes.wordpress.com/2017/04/21/vegan-future/
There is nothing on that post that has a go at meat eaters. I am not one if those sorts of people. But factory farming is of great concern to me and there are other posts and video links in my other blogs that do pertain to the cruelty and poor health of animals raised for mass consumption if they are interested in informing themselves.
I love that you and Jean are trying the ‘Vegan Solution.’ How do you both feel on your new diet?💖💖💖
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Colette, wonderful, fabulous information from you and, yes, just been across to that Vegan Future post of yours.
So much more that I want to say but will hold off for a few hours until I am in front of a proper keyboard rather than this iPad!
Thank you!
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Wonderful and informative Paul, and I agree with you on the subject.. While I am not a total Vegan my daughter and her partner are, and they both look and feel so much better for going from vegetarian to Vegan. I will most definitely be looking at the video although we do not get NetFlix. I have watched Cowspiricy and encourage others to do so..
Many thanks Paul for sharing .. Always good to read..
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Many thanks, Sue.
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