I think Greger probably does provide good advice for people who have already decided to be vegan, but at least his website I think is not clear that it starts from a premise of veganism and then addresses health rather than starting with the question of what’s best for health. Wikipedia says Greger became a vegan as a college student when he toured a stockyard. I certainly respect that decision as a personal one, but I think his nutrition advice doesn’t clearly address his non-health reasons for recommending veganism.
Thanks Julia—I didn’t realize he had become a vegan before becoming a doctor, writing his book(s), etc. I think he probably underplays that in his writing to reach a wider audience. It does give me a bit of a reason to question his objectivity in assessing the evidence about what diet is best for health / longevity (as opposed to what is best from an animal welfare perspective). However, I did find his book to be a very thorough and evidence-based presentation of the studies that suggest a “whole food plant based” diet (distinct from a vegan diet which could = only potato chips and twinkies!) is helpful in preventing and treating diseases, particularly heart disease and diabetes.
Well researched post—thanks! If you have an even greater appetite (pun intended) for this topic I recommend the book How Not to Die.
I think Greger probably does provide good advice for people who have already decided to be vegan, but at least his website I think is not clear that it starts from a premise of veganism and then addresses health rather than starting with the question of what’s best for health. Wikipedia says Greger became a vegan as a college student when he toured a stockyard. I certainly respect that decision as a personal one, but I think his nutrition advice doesn’t clearly address his non-health reasons for recommending veganism.
Thanks Julia—I didn’t realize he had become a vegan before becoming a doctor, writing his book(s), etc. I think he probably underplays that in his writing to reach a wider audience. It does give me a bit of a reason to question his objectivity in assessing the evidence about what diet is best for health / longevity (as opposed to what is best from an animal welfare perspective). However, I did find his book to be a very thorough and evidence-based presentation of the studies that suggest a “whole food plant based” diet (distinct from a vegan diet which could = only potato chips and twinkies!) is helpful in preventing and treating diseases, particularly heart disease and diabetes.