However, the science is not quite as black and white as the film makes it appear, and some contentions in the film are simply not true. This claim is flatly false. Alternatively, a less restrictive diet that permits some animal foods may increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels, potentially lowering your risk of heart disease (10). But what do the experts think? What’s the Difference Between a Plant-Based and Vegan Diet. Here are 6 science-based health benefits you may experience by eating vegan. Use these 25 simple tips to make your regular diet a little bit healthier. What is important to remember with any documentary is that there are two sides to every story. Despite some accuracies, “The Game Changers” has several important limitations that call into question its credibility. There's a progression, and a happy middle ground for most.”. Kresser described The Game Changers as being "full of misleading statements, half-truths, flat-out falsehoods, flawed logic, and absurdities." The Game Changers repeatedly pits a vegan diet against a diet that includes meat. However, this increased risk is relative,” St. Pierre says. James Wilks, who wrote and produced the movie with Joseph Pace, tackled various comments about the film – which is directed by Oscar-winner Louie Psihoyos and executive produced by Oscar-winner James Cameron – during an exclusive interview with Plant Based News founder Klaus … The Vegan Diet — A Complete Guide for Beginners. "These kind of misunderstandings (or intentional misleadings) make it easy for folks to be confused, or to misinterpret or misunderstand actual changes to risk," St. Pierre says. And the results of emerging studies are not nearly as concrete as those done on cigarettes, as the film later implies. James Loomis, M.D., former team physician for the St. Louis Rams and St. Louis Cardinals, who appears in The Game Changers, has written a rebuttal to this piece. Plant Protein is As Effective for Building Muscle as Animal Protein. goes on to cattle-prod himself in the forehead. Sassy’s The Game Changers Review. Overall, unprocessed red meat does not appear to increase your cancer risk. The athletes ate a fatty meat-based meal one night and a whole foods plant-based meal the second night. Around the half-hour mark, The Game Changers makes this claim: “Even iceberg lettuce has more antioxidants than salmon or eggs.”. Hass Avocado Modulates Postprandial Vascular Reactivity and Postprandial Inflammatory Responses To a Hamburger Meal In Healthy Volunteers. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, 6 Cheap Champagnes Worthy of Sending Off 2020, This Bodybuilder Got Shredded Eating 2 Meals a Day, 5 Bottles That Will Change Your Mind About Sake, 10 Post-Workout Foods To Help You Recover Faster, The Best Meal Replacement Bars and Shakes, What Happened When a Dietitian Tried Daily Harvest, Allow Chef José Andrés Be Your Light in Dark Times, 7 Keto Dieting Apps to Help You Lose Weight. For instance, the Maasai people of Tanzania and Kenya, who are hunter-gatherers, eat a diet that’s nearly exclusively animal-based and high in saturated fat (20). The amount of data is daunting, with the implication being: Look at all the science! This content is imported from {embed-name}. It’s easy to pick studies arguing for and against this, but what does the totality of evidence say? A Doctor Watched The Game Changers Documentary and Gave an Honest Review Doctor Mike addresses some of the scientifically iffy claims that the film makes about veganism. Here’s are three things The Game Changers gets wrong and one thing it gets right. The film takes a hardline stance on veganism and meat consumption, even claiming that lean meats like chicken and fish are bad for your heart and can lead to poorer health outcomes. The Game Changers follows James Wilks, a combative instructor for the U.S. military and a former UFC fighter, as he converts to a vegan diet while sports stars, celebrities, doctors, and medical experts weigh in. By over-valuing one nutrient (antioxidants in iceberg lettuce), you devalue the host of beneficial nutrients in the other (heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids in salmon, brain-aiding choline in eggs—just to name two). That was my focus in the debunking episode that I did with Joe a week before the debate, becauseI think there were many misleading and disingenuous, if not outright false, claims in the film. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Numerous times throughout the documentary, The Game Changers bombards you with the scientific terms TMAO, hetereocyclic amines, heme iron, neu5gc (a doozy! Sure, any increase in a risk of cancer isn’t good. You Deserve a Seafood Tower. “The Game Changers” makes numerous claims and references several studies. In fact, we love them. @lightningwilks, one of the producers of “the game changers” came on to challenge some of the criticism that Chris Kresser presented about the movie, and to say he did well would be a tremendous understatement. Back in the 2000s, a few small studies and rodent research suggested that the phytoestrogens in soy products could disrupt hormones. This is in line with claims made in “The Game Changers” (5). This includes solid answers to the classic protein question. But there are so many variables left unconsidered in both of these experiments. However, when it comes to a documentary that’s suggesting major lifestyle changes, it may be worth a look. Except that the study isn’t actually a study. Except that The Game Changers presents only one side of the facts, often via controversial sources, grand extrapolations from small studies, and statements that are flat-out misleading. Yet, when studies investigate red meat alone, the association with these cancers disappears (17, 18). Although parts of the film are credible, it has been criticized for cherry-picking data to suit its agenda, making broad generalizations from small or weak studies, and being one-sided toward veganism. Except, that as you can probably guess, the study is “supported by the Hass Avocado Board.”. If you have any concerns about dietary needs for your age or health condition, consult your healthcare provider or a dietitian. Furthermore, evidence suggests that plant-based or vegetarian diets can be therapeutic for certain conditions, such as fibromyalgia. The Game Changers is littered … “In fact, eating 50 grams of processed meat daily (about one hot dog) increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer by 17 percent. Many people are choosing to reduce or eliminate the number of animal products they consume. As long as it’s balanced, a vegan diet is acceptable for older adults. Game Changers is a 2018 documentary produced by James Cameron, Jackie Chan and Arnold Schwarzenegger that … Some research indicates that sticking to a plant-based diet can help prevent age-related weight gain when compared with diets that include animal foods (33). Last medically reviewed on March 27, 2020. Gladiator Bone – Source: The Game Changers The study suggests that the gladiators ate what was most available to them, which makes sense. The last few weeks I have been bombarded with questions about the documentary Game Changers. The Game Changers documentary claims meat causes cancer, inflammation and cardiovascular disease. Many foods — both animal- and plant-based — can contribute to inflammation, such as added sugars, highly processed foods, and seed oils like vegetable and soybean oil (12, 13). Vegans, you’re gonna LOVE this one! Fun fact, I actually sat down with a local trainer and discussed my thoughts on The Game Changers, check that out here if you prefer video content. In the film, Wilks shows two experiments. After all, genetics are responsible for 10–20% … Will It Help You? Indeed, vegan diets have long been linked to lower levels of total cholesterol (10). Elsewhere in The Game Changers, Wilks name-checks studies that feature small sample sizes and then extrapolates broad generalizations. If you’re interested in nutrition, you’ve probably watched or at least heard of “The Game Changers,” a documentary film on Netflix about the benefits of plant-based diets for athletes. In one instance where Wilks does cite actual peer-reviewed research, he narrates: “And when it comes to gaining strength and muscle mass, research comparing plant and animal protein has shown that as long as the proper amount of aminos acids are consumed the source is irrelevant.”, What Wilks doesn’t call out is that the same study states this: “as a group, vegetarians have lower mean muscle creatine concentrations than do omnivores, and this may affect supramaximal exercise performance.”. "It's not wrong, it's just often out of context.". Additionally, following a vegan diet may limit your options when dining out. Many vegans without access to these resources struggle to get enough protein, vitamin B12, and other nutrients (2). Here are 11 foods and food groups that healthy vegans eat and love. Compared with a low fat omnivorous diet, a vegan eating pattern improves inflammatory markers. “The Game Changers” also asserts that plant-based diets are anti-inflammatory, especially when compared with omnivorous diets — going so far as to contend that meats widely considered healthy, such as chicken and fish, are inflammatory. To meet iron needs, vegans should eat plenty of lentils or leafy green vegetables. It also overstates the significance of small, observational studies. The Game Changers is James Cameron's latest documentary, focusing on plant-based diets. [11] In order to host a proper debate between the sides, Rogan invited both Kresser and The Game Changers creator James … © 2005-2020 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Eating healthy can help you lose weight, have more energy and prevent many diseases. And then teach them to eat higher-quality meat options. We may earn a commission through links on our site. It is very important to eat nutritious foods on a vegan diet. Here, again, Wilks presents claims that these compounds, unique to animal products, increase the risk of inflammation, which can lead to a host of nasty diseases, particularly cancer. Studies flash upon the screen at a wild rate—sometimes three or four in a row. A vegan diet can help you lose weight and drastically improve your health, if done right. This whole section of the film … The implication is look what plants built. While older children and adolescents can follow a vegan diet, it must be carefully planned to incorporate all appropriate nutrients (32). Wrong. A new documentary claims that eating vegan may help improve your athletic performance. “…eating 12 hazelnuts daily (1 oz) would prolong life by 12 years (ie, 1 year per hazelnut), drinking 3 cups of coffee daily would achieve a similar gain of 12 extra years, and eating a single mandarin orange daily (80 g) would add 5 years of life. “A person's lifetime absolute risk of developing colorectal cancer is about 5 percent. The producer of vegan documentary The Game Changers has hit back against objections raised by critics after the film’s release. "The Game Changers" and "Super Size Me 2" are probably the two best and most important movies about food that you will see this year. The Game Changers is a pro-vegan documentary produced by James Cameron and Arnold Schwarzenegger. As such, you may need to take time to plan your meals or cook more at home. Curry recounts a visit to the Medical University of Vienna where he held a gladiator skull and remarks upon how gladiators ate “a vegetarian diet rich in carbohydrates, with the occasional calcium supplement.”, There does exist research on gladiators following non-meat diets, some of which is later cited in the film, but Wilks still calls a narrative a “study” when it is not a study.*. While a vegan diet may decrease your risk of certain cancers, cancer development is a multifaceted issue that requires further study. Neither of these “experiments” considers (or at least mentions the possible consideration of) variables like sleep, muscle fatigue, stress, training, hydration, history of tobacco use, weekly alcohol consumption, prior medical history, mental clarity, emotional state, and—HERE’S A BIG ONE—genetic predispositions. The Game Changers. It's generally a great thing. Well-planned vegan diets can provide just as much protein as diets that include animal products, along with all nine essential amino acids — the building blocks of protein that you must obtain through food. Throughout the film, Wilks cites scientific research, interviews numerous medical doctors, and features a number of vegan and vegetarian athletes (although those words, “vegan” and “vegetarian” are rarely uttered). come out as beneficial for the plant-based circumstances. "And by eating your meat with fruits and vegetables, all of which can significantly reduce your risk of HCAs.”. Sounds scary. The Game Changers Throughout the film, Wilks cites scientific research, interviews numerous medical doctors, and features a number of vegan and vegetarian athletes … 'The Game Changers': Film Review | Sundance 2018. It’s a statement that is so face-smackingly stupid, and it typifies the dangers of either/or eating. Nutritional yeast and supplements can also provide vitamin B12 (3, 4). In this documentary the benefits of eating plant-based foods are highlighted as well as the dangers of eating meat. The film also states that humans don’t have teeth or digestive tracts suitable for eating meat, and that all people have historically eaten a primarily plant-based diet. Although the film cites a lot of research, it completely ignores studies on the benefits of animal products. Finally, healthy diets limit added sugars, which are tied to obesity, unwanted weight gain, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer (37, 38, 39). However, it doesn’t present both sides of the plant-based versus omnivorous debate. If you’re reading a research study, you probably like to take a look at who funded it first. Either you eat animal products and suffer the consequences or avoid animal products and thrive, the movie argues. It’s impressive, but diet is only a small piece of overall health. Although vegan diets may decrease your risk of certain types of cancer, most of the claims in “The Game Changers” are misleading or don’t stand up to scientific scrutiny. But instead, the debate ended up being a lot more about appeals to authority and semantics, and e… Posted on October 14, 2019 October 14, 2019 by Cathy C Posted in Education, Optimal Diet, The Game Changers Post navigation. Additionally, vast regional variations exist in healthy diets, both modern and historical. While a vegan diet may provide several health benefits, the film tends to overstate these claims while ignoring research on other eating patterns. A good portion of the gladiator population were slaves and keeping them alive was expensive. Some of the assertions in “The Game Changers” ring true. If you were to say the words “plant-based” to someone 15 years ago, they might have stared at you, head tilted slightly, and said, “Huh?”. This is a fair point—the meat industry does fund scientific research—except that Wilks goes on to cattle-prod himself in the forehead. Director of Performance Nutrition at Precision Nutrition, This is a choice of inclusion, rather than exclusion, The President Is Wrong About 3 Coronavirus Claims, NEW GRILLING STUDY: Why Marinating Meat is Good for You, When to Say 'I Love You' in a Relationship. “We’re not trying to tell people to go vegan. The first experiment features preventive cardiologist Robert Vogel, M.D., administering a blood test to three athletes after they've eaten burritos with animal proteins compared to after they've eaten burritos with plant protein. A low protein, plant-based diet may also be beneficial for people with chronic kidney disease (34, 35). James knocked it our of the park, and defended himself and the film quite spectacularly. Vegan diets, and especially processed vegan foods, may still contain high amounts of added sugar (11). The problem is that the study findings are often twisted and presented to the viewer without giving them a full understanding of the research. Several nutrients are difficult to get on a vegan diet, so you should structure your meals appropriately and take certain supplements. The 2010 study he references, published in the journal Pediatrics International, was conducted using the milk of pregnant cows. Additionally, the film fails to mention that excessive sugar intake may increase your risk of heart disease more than animal foods. The idea behind this claim … Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. However, the film wrongly suggests that red meat causes cancer. “Vegan Badass” proclaims the T-shirt of one of the interview subjects in Louie Psihoyos ’s flashy, pumped-up documentary “ The Game Changers,” and perhaps that would have been a … The Game Changers filmmakers defend criticisms. A vegan diet has some impressive effects on your health. Except that there’s another choice: Eat more vegetables. Furthermore, they emphasize whole, natural foods like unprocessed meats, fruits, vegetables, starches, and whole grains. The evidence to refute the common dietary myths is well presented (and summarized on the Game Changers website). Here is a detailed beginner's guide to going vegan. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Yes, this is a minor point, but it's indicative of the often misleading portrayal of "research" to come. “Ultimately, it's not that getting people to eat plants is a bad thing. The latest documentary to be accused of this is Game Changers. But here’s the thing: Each one of their stories is an anecdote—nothing more. Here are 7 supplements that you may need on a vegan diet. However, while the vegan diet is associated with lower total and LDL (bad) cholesterol, it’s also tied to lower HDL (good) cholesterol — and doesn’t appear to affect triglyceride levels (10). Being bullied into that decision out of fear of disease, death, or obesity is another and I believe The Game Changers is bordering on the latter. Leads the viewer to believe Changers leads the viewer to believe eat and LOVE your risk of disease. Regional variations exist in healthy diets can be therapeutic for certain conditions, such as fibromyalgia, '' says.: this section was added after publication to clarify the argument an nutrition. That include animal products and suffer the consequences or avoid animal products and thrive the. Changers has hit back against objections raised by critics after the film quite spectacularly guide to going.. 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