Paleo diet: Health experts slam chef Pete Evans for pushing extreme views

HEALTH nut celebrity chef Pete Evans is putting his fans’ health at risk with his extreme views on diet and lifestyle, according to experts. We put five paleo claims to the test.

Family Food - 130 delicious paleo recipes by pete evans for kidspot only - october 31

HEALTH nut Pete Evans is putting his fans’ health at risk with his extreme views on diet and lifestyle, according to experts.

“It enrages me when celebrities like Peter Evans disregard and devalue medicine and can have potentially serious consequences for members of the public who follow these words,” Australian Medical Association Victorian president Dr Tony Bartone said.

“While everyone is entitled to their own views, rightly or wrongly celebrities’ comments and actions hold extra weight in society.”

Evans passionately advocates the controversial paleo diet and has attacked the Dietitians Association of Australia and the Heart Foundation. The paleo — or caveman — diet promotes poultry, fish, eggs, fruit, vegetables and meat, and avoids legumes, grains and dairy.

Evans has this week begun championing the use of kinesiology on his Facebook page, which has more than 455,000 fans, claiming he has not had to see GP in 20 years.

And he has publicly declared there is anecdotal evidence his diet has cured illnesses such as polycystic ovary syndrome, a hormonal condition that affects women of child-bearing age.

“Food really is medicine!” he posted.

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There have been claims the My Kitchen Rules host has been asked by the network to rein in some of his more provocative criticisms — such as his suggestion that the Australian National Dietary Guidelines contribute to rising rates of autism, mental illness, dementia and obesity — ahead of the show’s return in 2015. But a Channel 7 spokeswoman denied the chef had been told to temper his language.

Evans’ attack on the national guidelines has put him squarely at odds with the Heart Foundation, despite him having authored a cookbook for the organisation just two years ago.

“Celebrities like Pete Evans need to understand the responsibility that comes with giving out health advice,” said national policy adviser Beth Thomas.

“Other people who train for years and years to become qualified health practitioners understand the gravity of that responsibility.”

Ms Thomas said it was disappointing Evans had turned his back on the organisation and pointed out that while the Australian dietary guidelines were supported by extensive research, there had been no studies done on the long-term effects of living on a paleo diet.

Pete Evans’ views have put him at odds with one-time collaborators the Heart Foundation.

Other chefs such as Jamie Oliver promoted healthy eating without resorting to faddish and unsustainable diets, Ms Thomas added.

Leading nutritionist Rosemary Stanton agreed Evans should stick to making salads and leave advice to experts.

“He’s a very good cook although his recipes call for far too much soy sauce, which isn’t really consistent with his healthy message,” Dr Stanton said.

Evans was not available for interview but a Seven spokeswoman said the network was standing behind its popular chef, who “understood and appreciated” his role on the top-rating show.

“Pete Evans is one of the country’s finest food professionals,” she said.

“His views on food, health and wellbeing are driving awareness and discussion on these topics around the country.”

FACT OR FICTION?

Coconut oil

Chef Pete Evans says: These days coconut oil is the only oil I use to cook with because of its ability to remain non-toxic when heated. It’s got an extensive range of health benefits too.

Cardiologist Associate Professor David Colquhoun says: Coconut oil is full of unhealthy saturated fat, which raises bad cholesterol levels, clogs the arteries and increases risks of heart disease.

Coconut water

Evans says: 100 per cent coconut water is a wonderful natural thirst quencher.

Science communicator Dr Karl Kruszelnicki says: It’s about as good at rehydrating you as ordinary tap water.

Kinesiology

Evans says: I don’t have a GP, nor have I needed one for over 20 years. He prefers a “wellness tribe”, which includes a kinesiologist to rebalance the body’s “chi” energy. According to the Australian Kinesiology Association, kinesiology promotes wellbeing by monitoring muscles and energy.

AMA says: Medicine should never be replaced by kinesiology, homoeopathy or aromatherapy. A GP should be the first point of call for any health concerns to ensure they are addressed early.

Paleo

Evans says: The paleo diet isn’t a fad. He believes eating paleo has improved his overall health and appearance. “Ditch the sugar and the grains and the over-processed dairy for 20 days and see how you feel,” he advises. The paleo or caveman diet promotes poultry, fish, eggs, fruit, vegetables and meat, and avoids legumes, grains and dairy.

The World Health Organisation says: A low-carbohydrate diet can cause poor brain function and constipation, increasing risk of bowel cancer. A diet with a high intake of meat also can lead to cancer and heart disease.

Australian Dietary Guidelines

Evans says: Diets low in fat and high in carbohydrate are responsible for increasing rates of autism, mental illness and obesity.

Heart Foundation says: The guidelines are backed by years of medical research. There is no evidence to suggest that diet causes autism or mental illness. A well-rounded diet, free from junk food, is the best way to lose weight and stay healthy.

@siobhanduck