Podcast Summary
Exploring ancient healing principles for modern diets: Ancient practices like proper food preparation, consuming insects, and using clay, charcoal, and ash can enhance nutrient balance and support overall health.
Learning from this episode of the Resetter podcast is the exploration of ancient healing principles and how they can be applied to modern diets for optimal health. Dr. Bill Schindler, a food anthropologist, shares his insights on the importance of proper food preparation, such as the preparation of corn for nutrient balance, the consumption of insects as a sustainable and nutrient-dense source of protein, and the use of clay, activated charcoal, and ash as detoxifiers and nutrient sources. These practices, which were common among our primal ancestors, can help address deficiencies and support overall health. Additionally, Dr. Mindy encourages listeners to join her Reset Academy for support and guidance in implementing these principles into their own lives.
Learning from Ancestors for Modern Health: Emulate ancestral approaches to food for improved health, such as eating old corn, incorporating bugs, using ash, and replicating natural resource access.
Our modern world has caused humans to live out of sync with our ancestral ways, leading to health issues. We can learn from our ancestors' relationship with their environment and food to improve our own health. For instance, understanding the differences between old and new corn, incorporating bugs into our diet, and using ash for healing are all ways to replicate our ancestors' approaches to food. Modern factors like easy access to cheap sugar and grains have led us to consume unhealthy amounts, and replicating our ancestors' access to natural resources can help us make food safer and more nourishing. Bill's focus on food styles that mimic our primal ancestors sets him apart, and his book "Eat Like a Human" is a great resource for learning more.
The Similarities and Challenges of Corn Digestion: Corn, though a common grain, can be hard for the body to fully digest due to its undercooked or overcooked consumption and design to withstand animal digestion.
Corn or maize, though consumed in different forms like cornmeal and corn on the cob, is essentially the same grass-based grain. However, corn is the most widely grown grain globally, and while it's relatively easy to grow, it can be difficult for the human body to fully digest. The nutrients in corn may not be in an absorbable or usable state by the body, and this was humorously illustrated with a story about a poop mold for corn. Grains, nuts, legumes, and seeds are designed to withstand the digestive tract of animals, while fruits are meant to be easily digested and encourage the survival of seeds. Unfortunately, we often consume corn in an undercooked or overcooked state, making it difficult for our bodies to extract nutrients effectively.
The Hidden Cost of Maize: Pellagra: Maize, a staple food for many, led to the spread of pellagra due to its lack of essential nutrient niacin. This disease caused skin lesions, blindness, and even death, highlighting the importance of a balanced diet.
The long history of maize as a staple food, especially in the Americas, came with a hidden cost. While maize was valued for its taste, filling nature, and ease of growth, it also led to the spread of a disease called pellagra. This disease, which was first documented in the 1700s, caused skin lesions, loss of skin, blindness, and even death. The disease was most prevalent in populations where maize was the dominant food source due to its affordability. Despite being a food-borne disease, it was initially believed to be infectious, and efforts to identify the cause were met with resistance. However, through rigorous testing and demonstrations, it was eventually proven that pellagra was caused by a nutrient deficiency in maize, specifically niacin. This tragic history serves as a reminder of the importance of a balanced and nutritious diet.
Niacin deficiency from consuming large quantities of unprocessed maize: Proper food preparation and diet diversity are crucial for good nutrition, even from common foods like maize.
A niacin deficiency leading to the disease pellagra was a result of people consuming large quantities of maize as a staple food, despite it containing high levels of niacin, but the niacin being unavailable to the body due to the way the maize was prepared. This occurred primarily in impoverished areas where people's diets were limited to maize and little else. The solution was to properly process the maize through a process called nixtamalization, which makes the niacin more bioavailable. Corn is not the only source of niacin, but its dominance in certain diets can lead to deficiency if not properly prepared. Today, we can easily access a variety of foods and are unlikely to suffer from pellagra, but the story serves as a reminder of the importance of proper food preparation and diet diversity.
Processing of common foods like corn affects nutrition and environment: Traditional food preparation methods, such as nixtamalization, are crucial for deriving the full nutritional potential from corn and other foods, improving diets and sustainability.
The processing of common foods, such as corn, is a significant issue leading to nutritional deficiencies and potential negative consequences for both humans and the environment. Corn, being the most widely grown grain in the world, is a prime example. While scientists discuss ways to modify corn to feed a growing population, the focus should be on getting the most nutrition from the corn we already have. Processed foods, even those with nutritional labels, may not provide the necessary nourishment if not properly processed or if one is not healthy. To improve our diets, it's essential to understand that traditional food preparation methods, such as nixtamalization, are crucial for deriving the full nutritional potential from corn and other foods. This change may require some effort and time, but the benefits, both for individuals and future generations, are worth it. By learning about and implementing these methods, we can make informed decisions and make profound, long-term improvements to our health and the sustainability of our food systems.
Understanding the Impact of Corn Processing on Nutritional Value: Choose traditional methods of preparing corn or opt for organic, non-GMO options that have been minimally processed to ensure maximum nutritional value.
Not all corn products are created equal. Corn that has been degerminated and nixtamalized, then fried in vegetable oil, as is required by the FDA to be called a tortilla chip, can be considered empty calories with minimal nutritional value. On the other hand, traditional methods of preparing corn, such as mistamalizing and frying in animal fat, result in a nutrient-dense food. The same concept applies to cornmeal used in other dishes. When eating out, focusing on organic and non-GMO options may not be enough, as the processing method can significantly impact the food's nutritional value. Overall, it's essential to be aware of the methods used in producing the corn-based foods we consume and consider their impact on our health. Additionally, Dr. Mindy's book, "Eat Like a Human," not only provides valuable education but also includes delicious recipes that form the foundation of her family's diet. Dr. Mindy's partnership with Tony Horton on the PowerSync 60 fitness program further emphasizes her commitment to holistic health and wellness.
Insects as a Nutritious and Sustainable Food Source: Insects offer numerous benefits as a nutritious and sustainable food source, including all essential amino acids, high-quality fats, fewer resources, and less waste compared to traditional livestock farming.
Insects have been a vital part of the human diet for longer than most other foods, and they offer numerous benefits from a nutritional and sustainability perspective. Despite our cultural aversion to eating insects, they are incredibly nutritious, containing all essential amino acids and high-quality fats. From an environmental standpoint, insects are also incredibly sustainable, requiring fewer resources and producing less waste compared to traditional livestock farming. However, incorporating insects into our modern diets may require overcoming mental barriers and learning new ways to prepare and consume them. The speaker's personal experience of overcoming this barrier by trying insects for the first time while teaching a graduate class inspired her to explore their potential as a sustainable food source. Despite the challenges, the benefits of incorporating insects into our diets make it a worthwhile consideration for addressing nutritional needs and reducing the environmental impact of food production.
Overcoming Fear and Cultural Biases with Insects: Exploring the benefits and challenges of incorporating insects into one's diet can lead to personal growth and important conversations.
Expanding one's diet to include insects can lead to important conversations and personal growth. The speaker shares an anecdote about overcoming a fear of eating insects through a disagreement with his partner. He also discusses the increasing acceptance and availability of insects as a food source due to sustainability and nutritional reasons. However, it's important to consider not only the nutritional benefits but also the ethical and cultural aspects of incorporating insects into one's diet. Some people may prefer using insect powders or flours to hide the insects in their food, while others prioritize raising awareness and understanding of the role of insects in our diets. Ultimately, the decision to try insects is a personal one that may involve overcoming cultural biases and enjoying the experience for its own sake. With the growing attention to insects as a sustainable and nutritious food source, it's worth considering the potential benefits and challenges of incorporating them into one's diet.
Exploring Insects in Thailand: Traveling to new places and trying new things can help overcome fears and broaden perspectives. In Thailand, a family learned to appreciate insects as food after spending a day harvesting and cooking them with locals.
Experiencing new things through different perspectives can broaden one's outlook. The speaker, who wanted to share his experiences with a larger audience, traveled to Thailand with his family to explore the consumption and production of insects. They visited markets, a rural area, and a restaurant called Insects in the Backyard, where the chef celebrated insects instead of hiding them in dishes. However, they made a mistake by rewarding their youngest daughter with a visit to the Unicorn Cafe before she tried the insects, making her reluctant to eat them. It was only when they spent a day harvesting and cooking insects with a village that she overcame her fear and enjoyed the meal. To travel and learn about food, culture, history, and anthropology, join the speaker on his upcoming trips to Ireland, Oaxaca, and Kenya. As for incorporating insects into one's diet, keep an eye on the speaker's website, Eat Like a Human, and the Modern Stone Age Kitchen for opportunities to join insect-focused trips.
Exploring the Benefits of Insects as a Source of Protein and Amino Acids: Insects, raised in safe environments, offer potential health benefits, including muscle function improvement and longevity. Trusted sources like Entomo Farms make it easier to incorporate this food source into diets.
Insects, which are gaining popularity as a power source of protein and essential amino acids, can help improve muscle function and contribute to longevity. However, it's crucial to ensure the insects are raised for human consumption in safe and controlled environments, as those obtained from bait or pet food shops may not be suitable. The availability of insects for human consumption is increasing, with more farms popping up, making it easier for people to incorporate this food source into their diets. For instance, Entomo Farms is a well-known and trusted source for edible insects. While some may find the idea of eating insects apprehensive, the potential health benefits make it an exciting adventure for empty nesters and others looking for new experiences. The conversation about the benefits of insect consumption is timely, as research suggests that muscle is the organ of longevity, and women over 40, particularly during menopause, should focus on adding more protein to their diets.
From Frustration to GRAS: Insects as a Valid Food Source: Insects, now classified as GRAS, are gaining popularity as a nutritious and convenient food source, with businesses like The Modern Stone Age Kitchen leading the way in creating insect-based products.
Insects, which were once a source of frustration for a woman trying to promote their consumption as real food, are now classified as GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) in the US. This means that as long as they come from approved sources, insects can be used in food production and consumption. The Modern Stone Age Kitchen, a business that promotes and sells insect-related foods, is an example of this. The woman, who used to operate under the steps of a college dining hall for eight years, has now expanded her business and research through a nonprofit and a for-profit venture. One of their popular offerings is cricket protein bombs, which are high in protein and fat, making them an ideal food to break a fast with. By understanding the benefits of insects as a food source and creating convenient and nutritious products, the Modern Stone Age Kitchen is helping to promote the consumption of insects as a valid and healthy food option.
Empowering Others with Real, Whole Foods: The authors advocate for real, whole foods and share their knowledge and recipes, including those for breaking fasts, and even the use of wood-burning oven ash as a leavener, but only from clean sources.
The authors, Christina and Mark, have a deep passion for nourishing their family with real, whole foods, particularly those inspired by our primal ancestors. They've written a book and now run a shop to share their knowledge and recipes, emphasizing the importance of empowering others to do the same. Their commitment extends to creating recipes for breaking fasts, such as cricket bombs, and even sharing the ash from their wood-burning oven, which can be beneficial if the wood is from hardwoods and burned in the presence of oxygen. Ash, a byproduct of burning organic matter, is alkaline and has historical uses as a leavener. However, it's essential to use ash from clean sources, like hardwoods, to avoid potential toxins.
Natural Elements Ash and Charcoal in Human History: Ash and charcoal, derived from natural sources, have been used for various purposes including food production, detoxification, and filtration since ancient times.
Ash and charcoal, both derived from natural sources, have played essential roles in human history for various uses, including food production and detoxification. Ash, in its refined forms like potash and pearl ash, has been used to make baking soda, soap, and change the pH of cheese. Charcoal, on the other hand, acts as a natural detoxifier and binder, used in cooking, water filtration, and even in hospitals for emergencies. Both ash and charcoal have been part of human diets since the discovery of fire. Additionally, clay, another natural substance, is consumed by animals and humans for its mineral content and detoxifying properties. These elements, earth, ash, and charcoal, have significant roles in our food systems and our overall health. While not commonly discussed in modern cooking, there are resources available for incorporating these elements into your diet.
Charcoal's Unrecognized Status as a Food Additive: Despite its use in various cuisines and potential health benefits, charcoal isn't recognized as a food additive by the FDA due to historical incidents and lack of scientific consensus.
Charcoal, a substance long used in food and for medicinal purposes, is currently not recognized as a food additive by the FDA. This is despite its use in various cuisines around the world and its potential health benefits, such as detoxification and adsorption of toxins. The lack of FDA approval is due to historical incidents like the "Fifty Shades of Charcoal" festival in San Francisco and the subsequent crackdown on its use in restaurants in New York City. Charcoal can be easily incorporated into various foods and baked goods, but its use is currently illegal in restaurants. While charcoal may not change in properties when heated, it could be a valuable addition to our diets due to its nutritional benefits, especially in the context of the nutrient-depleted food available in supermarkets today. Additionally, the inclusion of other non-traditional food sources like insects and properly processed maize can provide essential nutrition and shift our perspective on what is considered edible. These changes may not fully overcome the nutrient deficiencies in our modern diets, but they can be important steps towards improving overall health.
Exploring new food categories for a healthier microbiome: Researcher Dr. Bill Schindler highlights the importance of diet diversity and introduces three new food categories to positively impact the gut bacteria.
Expanding the diet and introducing new food categories can positively impact the microbiome. Dr. Bill Schindler, a researcher and educator, emphasizes the importance of diet diversity and shared three new food categories that can provide a whole new experience for gut bacteria. To learn more about Dr. Schindler's work, people can visit his websites, Eat Like a Human and Modern Stone Age Kitchen, or follow him on social media. Dr. Schindler expressed his gratitude for his wife, family, and the donors of his corneal transplants, and emphasized the importance of looking for opportunities to be grateful in life. His work, along with his wife's influence, is focused on getting the human body back to its foundational state.
Exploring health and wellness through thoughtful discussions: Engage in conversations to inspire, inform, and deepen understanding of health and wellness. Share insights, learnings, and practical tips to lead healthier, happier lives.
The importance of engaging in thoughtful discussions about health and wellness. Bill Cuddy expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to share insights and learnings with his audience. He emphasized the value of reviews, shares, and feedback from listeners to help spread the word and deepen the conversation. Ultimately, the goal is to inspire and inform, providing practical tips and strategies for leading healthier, happier lives. So, whether you're a longtime listener or just joining us for the first time, we encourage you to share your biggest takeaway and continue the conversation. Let's keep exploring together!
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