Can I Use Herbs on a Carnivore Diet? A Meaty Inquiry
Today, we're going to tackle a question that's been sizzling on the grill of our carnivorous curiosity: Can we use herbs on a carnivore diet?
To Herb or Not to Herb?
The carnivore diet, as we've discussed in previous posts, is all about consuming animal products and saying sayonara to anything that comes from the plant kingdom. But does that mean we have to bid adieu to our beloved herbs and spices?
Well, it's not as black and white as you might think. Some sources, like All Things Carnivore, suggest that it's perfectly fine to use herbs and spices on the carnivore diet if well tolerated. They argue that although these seasonings can have anti-nutrients in them, the amount is minuscule and can act as beneficial acute stressors to make your body more resilient and stronger.
On the other hand, Wild Lumens argues that herbs and spices come from the plant kingdom and therefore are not allowed on a strict carnivore diet. They suggest that these could potentially cause health issues and chronic problems due to their toxic nature.
The Spice of Life
So, who's right? Well, as with most things in life, the answer lies somewhere in the middle. As Health Coach Kait points out, one of the main reasons people find so much success eating a carnivore diet is because they are eliminating inflammatory plant foods. However, in a diet that is based around meat and animal foods, herbs and spices are generally accepted, as you only consume trace amounts of them.
But before you start sprinkling oregano on your steak, it's important to note that not all herbs and spices are created equal. A 2021 study from Consumer Reports found that herbs and spices from numerous major store-bought brands contained unhealthy levels of heavy metals. The study tested 126 store-bought spices and found that ⅓ had high enough levels of arsenic, lead, and cadmium combined to pose a health risk for regular consumers.
The Carnivore's Guide to Seasoning
So, what's a carnivore to do? Well, as we've discussed in our guide to seasoning, it's all about balance.
Yes, you can use herbs and spices on your carnivore diet, but it's important to be mindful of which ones you add to your food, as some can irritate your gut. All plants that include herbs and spices contain anti-nutrients that interfere with your digestion and prevent you from absorbing nutrients.
In the end, the carnivore diet is all about listening to your body. If you find that certain herbs and spices don't sit well with you, it's best to avoid them. But if you're like me and can't imagine a world without a little rosemary on your roast, then by all means, sprinkle away!
For more insights on this topic, check out these videos on YouTube: "Spices on a CARNIVORE DIET | The BEST and WORST Herbs and Spices!" by Health Coach Kait and "What Salts and Spices can I use on a Carnivore Diet??" by Laura Spath.
Remember, the carnivore diet isn't about deprivation, it's about nourishment. So, go ahead and spice up your life... or at least your steak!
