In recent years, plant-based diets have gained popularity, often being touted as the ultimate solution for health and environmental concerns. While plants do offer valuable nutrients, there are certain critical components of human nutrition that plants simply cannot provide in their most usable form. Let’s dive into the unique benefits of fat-soluble vitamins and essential amino acids that are only found—or optimally found—in animal products. Fat-Soluble Vitamins: A, D, K2, and E Fat-soluble vitamins are vital for overall health, but their bioavailability and potency vary greatly depending on their source. 1. Vitamin A (Retinol): Animal products like liver, eggs, and butter provide retinol, the active and usable form of vitamin A. While plants contain beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A), the conversion process is highly inefficient. Research shows that only a small percentage of beta-carotene is converted to retinol, and this conversion can be further hindered by genetics, age, and gut health. Retinol is crucial for vision, skin health, and immune function—roles that plant-based beta-carotene struggles to fulfil without significant supplementation. 2. Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol): While you can get some vitamin D from the sun, dietary sources are still important, especially in regions with limited sunlight. Animal products like fatty fish, egg yolks, and liver provide vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), the most effective form for raising blood levels of vitamin D. Plant-based sources, such as mushrooms, contain vitamin D2, which is far less effective at improving vitamin D status in the body. 3. Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone): Vitamin K2, found in animal products like cheese, butter, and organ meats, plays a vital role in calcium regulation, directing calcium to the bones and teeth while keeping it out of arteries. While plants provide vitamin K1 (phylloquinone), it requires conversion to K2, a process that is inefficient and insufficient for optimal health.

I had the pleasure of sharing my story on two fantastic podcasts recently, hosted by Coach Stephen Thomas and Dave Mac. You can check them out here: - https://youtu.be/BwsUZgJuu5c?si=-96llxu84FhAEpRm - https://youtu.be/k5SyB2SXy8U?si=P_254uP225ZWnYzy In these episodes, I dive deep into my personal journey—overcoming addiction and mental health struggles, and how my father’s story profoundly shaped my mission to focus on mental and metabolic health. I also discuss how the carnivore diet has been a truly life-changing experience for me. Thank you for taking the time to listen. Wishing you all a wonderful day! Frank

Animal fats are a cornerstone of an ancestral diet and play a crucial role in brain health and mental well-being. The link between animal fats and mental health can be explained through several key mechanisms: 1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA & EPA) Animal fats, especially from fatty fish and grass-fed meats, are rich in DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid), crucial omega-3 fatty acids that are key for brain health: - DHA is a major structural component of the brain, making up a significant portion of the cerebral cortex and retina. It is essential for proper neuronal function and cognitive development. - EPA plays a significant role in reducing neuroinflammation, which is linked to depression and anxiety disorders. Research Insight: Multiple studies have linked low levels of DHA and EPA with higher rates of depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Supplementing with omega-3s, particularly from animal sources like fish oil, has been shown to improve symptoms of these conditions. 2. Saturated Fat: The Brain's Preferred Fuel Saturated fats are a primary component of animal fats, found in butter, tallow, lard, and fatty cuts of meat. They are essential for: - Cell Membrane Integrity: The brain is about 60% fat, and saturated fats are integral to the stability and fluidity of cell membranes, facilitating proper neurotransmission. - Energy for the Brain: Saturated fats support the brain’s energy needs, particularly on a low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diet, where ketone bodies become the primary fuel source. This switch to ketones has shown promise in improving cognitive function and mood stability. Mental Health Benefits: Incorporating saturated fats can help stabilize mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, as these fats provide a steady, non-glucose-dependent source of energy. 3. Cholesterol: Essential for Mental Well-Being Cholesterol, found abundantly in animal fats, has been demonized for decades, but it is actually vital for brain health:

In recent decades, fats, particularly animal fats, have been vilified as a contributor to heart disease, obesity, and various health problems. Women, in particular, have been influenced by the pervasive diet culture that promotes low-fat, plant-based foods as the healthiest choices. However, emerging research and ancestral wisdom suggest that dietary animal fats play an essential role in women's health. In this article, we’ll explore why animal fats are crucial for women, from hormone regulation and fertility to mental health and weight management. 1. Hormonal Health and Balance Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate almost every function in the body, from metabolism and mood to reproductive health. Many of the key hormones, including estrogen and progesterone, are made from cholesterol, a type of fat found predominantly in animal foods. When women consume adequate dietary fats, they provide the raw materials needed to produce these hormones. Low-fat diets can disrupt this balance, leading to hormonal imbalances, irregular menstrual cycles, and even conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Animal fats, particularly from grass-fed sources, are rich in cholesterol and fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin D and K2, which support the production and regulation of sex hormones. Key Nutrients: - Cholesterol: Supports the synthesis of estrogen and progesterone. - Vitamin D: Enhances hormone sensitivity and immune function. - Vitamin K2: Plays a role in hormone production and calcium regulation. 2. Fertility and Reproductive Health For women of childbearing age, fertility and reproductive health are directly influenced by dietary fat intake. Animal fats are an excellent source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, both of which are vital for healthy cell membranes, egg quality, and proper fetal development during pregnancy. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in high quantities in animal foods like fatty fish, grass-fed beef, and egg yolks, help reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and support healthy ovulation. Additionally, the saturated fats found in butter, ghee, and lard are crucial for absorbing fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), which are important for reproductive health and pregnancy.