95. How to escape the human zoo, part 2 of the Africa Adventures podcast with Anthony Gustin

Refined Foods

Anthony Gustin and Paul Saladino discuss the stark differences between consuming natural and refined foods. Anthony emphasizes that while raw honey from the Hadza is beneficial, the refined honey available in stores is less so. He argues that the more refined a food is, the worse it is for human health 1. Paul adds that even minimal processing, like heating honey, can reduce its beneficial nitric oxide metabolites 2.

The more refined a food is, the worse it's going to be for human health.

--- Anthony Gustin

They conclude that striving for the least refined versions of foods is crucial for better health.

   

Hadza Diet

The Hadza tribe's diet offers a glimpse into what humans might have originally consumed. Paul Saladino notes that their diet consists of meat, organs, seasonal fruit, honey, and fibrous tubers, which contrasts sharply with modern diets 3. Anthony Gustin adds that the Hadza do not consume dairy or preserve meat for long periods, relying instead on fresh game and immediate consumption 4.

The things that nature provides in terms of food are meat and organs, seasonal fruit, honey, and occasional tubers.

--- Paul Saladino

This natural diet is seen as a healthier alternative to the processed foods common today.

   

Western Diet

The Western diet, characterized by processed foods and vegetable oils, has detrimental effects on health. Anthony Gustin observes that the introduction of vegetable oils and refined grains into developing countries leads to a decline in health 5. Paul Saladino highlights a study comparing urban and rural Tanzanians, showing that urban diets high in processed foods result in more inflammation and poorer health outcomes 6.

The problem with the Western diet is the lack of fiber, because that doesn't seem to be a consistent thing.

--- Paul Saladino

They argue that the shift away from natural foods is a key factor in the rise of chronic diseases.