Real Foodology Podcast Summary: "Raw Milk, Animal-Based Diets, + The Cholesterol Myth | Paul Saladino"

Release Date: February 25, 2025
Produced By: Wellness Loud

Introduction

In this episode of the Real Foodology podcast, host Courtney Swan welcomes renowned health advocate and author Dr. Paul Saladino, also known as the Carnivore MD. Courtney and Paul delve into a comprehensive discussion on raw milk, animal-based diets, and the pervasive cholesterol myth. Their conversation aims to unravel the complexities of our modern food system and challenge long-held nutritional beliefs.

The Importance of Raw Milk

Courtney Swan begins by highlighting Paul's transition from a strict carnivore diet to what he now terms an "animal-based" diet. Their friendship, rooted in mutual interests and shared experiences in Washington D.C., sets the stage for an in-depth exploration of raw milk's benefits.

Raw vs. Pasteurized Milk: Safety and Benefits

Paul Saladino emphasizes the nutritional superiority of raw milk over pasteurized varieties. He explains that raw milk retains numerous beneficial nutrients that are often diminished or lost during pasteurization.

Paul Saladino [05:27]: "Raw milk is interesting to me for a lot of reasons, but it's just an interesting animal food... raw milk versus pasteurized milk."

Immunological Benefits and Health Outcomes

A significant portion of their discussion centers on the immunological advantages of raw milk. Paul references studies, such as the Gabriella study, which indicate that children consuming raw milk exhibit lower rates of asthma, eczema, and allergies—the so-called "atopic triad."

Paul Saladino [09:13]: "Kids who grow up on or off farms drinking raw milk have lower rates of asthma, eczema, and allergies."

Paul also shares his personal battle with eczema, underscoring the potential personal health benefits of an animal-based diet.

The Role of Milk Fats

The conversation delves into the unique composition of milk fats, particularly focusing on pentadecanoic acid (C15), an odd-chain fatty acid found in raw milk. Paul discusses how C15 has been shown to protect against lipid peroxide-induced cell death, known as ferroptosis.

Paul Saladino [07:00]: "C15 is protective. The literature is very clear, at least observationally, there's a very strong association between the consumption of dairy fats and better outcomes."

Saturated Fats and the Cholesterol Myth

Paul provides a detailed breakdown of different types of fats—saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated—and challenges the longstanding belief that saturated fats are inherently harmful. He clarifies that not all saturated fats have the same effects on cholesterol levels.

Paul Saladino [17:11]: "Saturated fat gets a bad rap, probably going all the way back to the 1950s with Ansel Keys."

The Diet Heart Hypothesis and Its Critique

The duo critiques the Diet Heart Hypothesis, which posits that saturated fat increases cholesterol, thereby raising the risk of heart disease. Paul argues that Ancel Keys' research in the 1950s was flawed, citing cherry-picked data that ignored contradictory evidence from numerous other countries.

Paul Saladino [20:26]: "The data suggests the complete opposite. And so I was drinking skim milk, which is just the watered-down, garbage, pasteurized milk."

Metabolic Dysfunction and Heart Disease

Using a compelling analogy, Paul compares LDL cholesterol to wood and metabolic dysfunction to sparks needed to ignite a fire. He posits that while LDL is necessary for various bodily functions, it's the underlying metabolic issues that drive heart disease.

Paul Saladino [24:00]: "Wood is LDL cholesterol... metabolic dysfunction is the spark that ignites the fire."

Public Perception and Western Medicine's Narrative

Paul and Courtney discuss how Western medicine has perpetuated misconceptions about cholesterol and saturated fats, largely influenced by pharmaceutical interests and flawed research. They emphasize the importance of addressing metabolic health rather than solely focusing on cholesterol levels.

Paul Saladino [25:53]: "We have been brainwashed. And even on the street today, if I talk to people, if I said, is a steak bad for your heart? 9 out of 10 people would tell me, yes."

The Impact of Seed Oils and Cooking Fats

The conversation shifts to the detrimental effects of seed oils, which Paul argues contribute to oxidative stress and metabolic dysfunction. He contrasts these with animal fats, which he deems beneficial for health.

Paul Saladino [31:59]: "Consumption might lower LDL, none of which are likely to lower your cardiovascular risk, all of which probably indicate a higher cardiovascular risk."

Personal Stories and Practical Implications

Courtney shares her personal experiences, including her fiancé's father's recent heart attack, to illustrate the real-world implications of dietary choices and metabolic health. She questions whether increasing meat consumption is advisable for those already metabolically unhealthy.

Courtney Swan [36:11]: "I would argue that if you increase food quality, satiety comes naturally without even thinking about calories."

Food Deserts and Processed Food Addiction

The podcast addresses societal issues such as food deserts—areas lacking access to single-ingredient, whole foods—and the rampant availability of ultra-processed, addictive foods. Paul criticizes the food industry's role in creating hyper-palatable, low-nutrient foods that contribute to widespread health issues.

Paul Saladino [43:10]: "This has become a full-blown addiction. And I think they're illegal drugs."

Government Regulation and Policy Suggestions

Paul and Courtney discuss potential government interventions to promote healthier eating habits. Suggestions include expanding Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to incentivize the purchase of whole, single-ingredient foods and restricting the use of SNAP benefits for unhealthy, processed foods.

Paul Saladino [44:02]: "If you could put aside money and spend that on meat, chicken, fish, eggs, milk, and vegetables and fruit, that would be amazing for Americans."

Calorie Restriction vs. Food Quality in Weight Management

The conversation concludes with a critique of the calorie-centric approach to weight loss. Paul advocates for focusing on food quality and nutrient-dense, single-ingredient foods to achieve satiety and long-term health without the mental and physiological strain of calorie counting.

Courtney Swan [52:19]: "I have the healthiest relationship I have ever had in my entire life with food."

Conclusion

This episode of Real Foodology challenges listeners to rethink conventional nutritional wisdom, advocating for an animal-based diet rich in whole, single-ingredient foods like raw milk and red meat. By debunking myths surrounding cholesterol and saturated fats, Paul Saladino and Courtney Swan encourage a paradigm shift towards prioritizing food quality and addressing metabolic health as the foundation for overall well-being.

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Saladino [05:27]: "Raw milk is interesting to me for a lot of reasons, but it's just an interesting animal food... raw milk versus pasteurized milk."

• Paul Saladino [09:13]: "Kids who grow up on or off farms drinking raw milk have lower rates of asthma, eczema, and allergies."

• Paul Saladino [17:11]: "Saturated fat gets a bad rap, probably going all the way back to the 1950s with Ansel Keys."

• Courtney Swan [36:11]: "I would argue that if you increase food quality, satiety comes naturally without even thinking about calories."

• Courtney Swan [52:19]: "I have the healthiest relationship I have ever had in my entire life with food."

For more insights and to stay updated with future episodes, visit www.realfoodology.com and follow Courtney Swan on Instagram @realfoodology.