Plantd covers topics on plant based health to sustainability education. Given the current climate crisis, this has been a primary source of discussion of late. Expecting individuals, communities or governments to change their behaviour without educating on why it is paramount will not lead to effective change. Based on the “know better, do better” premise, we encourage you to understand our partaking in large, worldly sustainable issues to encourage you to make your own personal decisions that are above and beyond habits.
We shed light on the uncanny irony that plant-based eating is not only optimal for the health of the planet, but many experts are now educating how this way of life is also incredibly healthy for human health. As we become more powerful in making our own decisions, largely due to the freedom of speech, and the relatively new-found freedom to information that technological advances brings, experts are increasingly fronting big, rich, and powerful bodies to myth-bust their claims that are often more associated with financial gain than they are research integrity.
The more that we learn, the more we realise how negligent the government bodies who we have trusted have been when it comes to the sustainability of the environment. We learn just how much our food chain is outdated and part of this environmental strain, concealed and reinforced by many “health bodies” who are sponsored to silence. Further, there are incredibly brave and bright souls who are out there myth-busting the fabrication and misguided nature of research findings when it comes to lifestyles and diets that enable the human body to thrive.
Below you will find a myriad of resources to explore to enhance your self-guided education on these topics. The findings and information presented will likely challenge the beliefs that you were taught growing up. If you are new to this plant-based and sustainable education space, it may be a little confronting at first. We want to encourage you, and all of our community, to make one positive change at a time. We do not buy into the all or nothing, extreme approach. We don’t mind if you want to label yourself, or not. By sharing these resources we hope to encourage you to ‘know better’, and will share a subsequent article inspiring you to ‘do better’.
Watch
We previously published a review of the Plantd Top 5 Documentaries on Health & Sustainability with a summary of five of our favorite documentaries, including Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret (2014), What The Health (2017), Forks Over Knives (2011), Ice on Fire (2019) and An Inconvenient Truth (2006) in addition to the Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power (2017). In addition to these, you may consider watching the following:
2040 (2019): Director of That Sugar Film, Damon Gameau embarked on a global journey to present innovators across multiple sectors to clarify the best sustainable solutions that are currently available to help improve the health of the planet, and to actually reverse climate change. Amid a ‘doom-and-gloom’ feel to many other documentaries, 2040 is refreshingly hopeful and inherently optimistic. The solutions include marine regeneration, regenerative agriculture, renewable energy, educating women and girls, creating a circular economy, and transportation transformation.
Gamechangers (2018): This recently released Netflix documentary has gained worldwide attention, myth-busting the misconceptions about meat consumption, protein and building strength. Retired mixed martial artist, James Wilks, presents the stories of high-achieving plant-based athletes, with reference to scientific studies, and positive health outcomes of plant-based diets.
The release of this documentary has resulted in controversial debates amongst the paleo versus plant-based advocates. The popular podcaster, Joe Rogan first interviewed Chris Cresser who attempted to “debunk” and invalidate the research presented in Game Changers. Cresser was then invited to share a debate with Wilks, the film producer, in a subsequent podcast. Soon after the debate, Joe Rogan announced that he was considering removing the first interview due to the risks of Cresser misrepresenting the science, validating the research that was presented in the film.
Before The Flood (2016): If like us, you can’t get enough of watching Leonardo DiCaprio on your screen, we recommend this documentary. Although a few years old now, the points demonstrated by leading scientists, activists and world leaders are still valid climate-related concerns today. As we are still fighting for the same environmental solutions and adequate action, unfortunately, the solutions presented are still required.
Listen
Podcasts are a great way to make good use of your daily commute or to stimulate your mind while you reap the health and wellbeing benefits of walking in nature. With just a phone, you can access newly released information, research updates and different perspectives on all things plant based eating, environmental concerns, and beyond. If you’re not one to spend hours and hours reading books and studies, listening to podcasts regularly are a great way to learn valuable information relatively quickly, with little effort.
Plant Proof Podcast: The host and founder of Plant Proof, Simon Hill, has written on various plant-based health topics, proposing a plant-based pyramid, the truth about sugar in fruit, supplements on a plant-based diet, and how our food chain impacts climate change. Hill interviews the real plant-based game-changers, leading scientists, social influencers, animal activists and plant-based moms. Breaking down complex science into understandable terms, this podcast is great for anyone who is looking for scientific explanations or inspirational personal transformation stories.
The Rich Roll Podcast: Rich Roll is described as a Plant Powered Wellness Advocate, Bestselling Author, and Ultra-Athlete. His podcast has had over 60 million downloads, known for long in-depth conversations with a range of interesting, progressive people. Topics vary from health, fitness and nutrition, to art, entertainment, entrepreneurship and spirituality, leaving you inspired to make positive changes to improve your own life.
Brain Health and Beyond with Team Sherzai: This brand new podcast has been launched by award-winning neurologists and leading researchers, Dr Dean and Dr Ayesha Sherzai to present a fun, innovative and inspirational approach to brain health and the human mind. They recently published an informative article on Plantd discussing the connection between plant based eating and reduced risk of depression. In their podcast, they present practical ways to take control of your brain health, to avoid chronic diseases, and to expand your mind’s capacity!
Read
Most people find it easier to watch or listen, but for those who enjoy an in-depth, science-based read, we recommend the following:
The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report (updated 2018): to understand the science of climate change. This report summarises the results of thousands of research studies, compiled into a comprehensive, global scientifically sound report. This report recognises the severity of the climate crisis and has actionable and achievable steps for world and national leaders to follow to meet the overarching goal, which is to reduce carbon emissions in order to contain global warming to 1.5 degrees, buying more time to reverse climate change.
How Now To Die (2015) & How Not to Diet (2019): Are two books written by Dr Michael Gregor, a leading doctor advocating for the transformative health benefits of plant-based eating. He founded Nutrition Facts, an uber informative and free resource answering most health topics that you could possibly think of. His book, How Not To Die, is a famous book in this plant-based space, and How Not to Diet, is a brand new book discussing the science of healthy, permanent weight loss. His work will inspire you to take control of your own nutrition to take control of your health at large.
The China Study (2005): T Colin Campbell, PhD and his son Thomas M Campbell, MD, co-authored the China Project research, followed by The China Study book. This book evaluates the connection, based on their research, between nutrition and reversible chronic diseases including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. They reveal the source and motives of nutritional condition by those in power, government entities and particular scientists. This research and knowledge largely underlies how and why we are still here, making the same points today.
Visit us on socials @plantd.co to share your favorite plant-based or planet educational resources, so that we can keep the circular sharing loop flowing. Let us know what your greatest learnings have been on these topics so far – we would love to hear from you.