How to go Vegan — “Are you a victim of the Tomato Effect?”(Part 3 of 5)
I remember writing a paper in college about something called the Tomato Effect. Basically, the Tomato Effect is when it takes a long time for the general public to believe that a medical theory or treatment actually works because it is different than what they are used to. The term came from the 18th century in America when it was generally believed that tomatoes were poisonous. People in Europe had been eating them for centuries, yet for some reason, they were considered dangerous by Americans. This all came to an end when a guy from New Jersey publicly ate a whole basket of tomatoes. And surprise, surprise…he didn’t die!
The Tomato Effect describes perfectly how the public views plant based eating. The majority of nutrition science shows how eating plant based is extremely effective at preventing and reversing chronic diseases, yet people are so slow to accept this because it contrasts what they have been taught their whole lives. So many people’s lives could change for the better, but heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are still America’s number one killers because people literally and figuratively won’t “eat their tomatoes”. This goes to show how important educating yourself on the latest scientific evidence really is! Don’t be the rest of America, be the guy who ate the whole basket of tomatoes.
Fill up on knowledge
I started eating vegan because some of my family members told me that it would be good for me. I know that I felt good eating that way, but I had no idea why it was good for me, I just trusted them (which luckily, turned out to be a good choice). But before long, I realized that I couldn’t rely on their knowledge anymore. I had to learn for myself why eating plant based was so wonderful. Studying the science and looking at the research about plant based eating was one of the most important parts of my journey. We think that it’s important for you too.
Because you don’t have time to scour the internet looking for educative resources, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite books, websites, podcasts and documentaries for you! Just look at it like homework that your life depends on… because it actually might (we just used scare tactics on you, did it work?). Ok, here you go!
Books
How Not to Die, Dr. Michael Greger:
- Examines 15 of the leading causes of death (heart disease, cancer, diabetes, etc.) in the US, and shows how eating a plant based diet can prevent and reverse these diseases.
- Easy and entertaining to read, even if you aren’t a biologist.
- Dr. Greger is good at explaining systems in the human body and describing what happens inside us when we eat certain foods.
- https://www.amazon.com/How-Not-Die-Discover-Scientifically/dp/B016CME5B4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1526060367&sr=8-1&keywords=how+not+to+die
The China Study: The Most Comprehnsive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted And the Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss, And Longterm Health T. Colin Campbell
- The title says it all. This really is, the most comprehensive nutrition study ever done, and it was done very well.
- Focuses on animal protein and cancer.
- Pretty science-heavy, so don’t expect an easy read.
- https://www.amazon.com/China-Study-Comprehensive-Nutrition-Implications/dp/1932100660/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1526060557&sr=1-4&keywords=the+china+study
The Cheese Trap: How Breaking a Surprising Addiction Will Help You Lose Weight, Gain Energy, and Get Healthy, Neal D Barnard
- Neal Barnard is the man! Smart, smart guy. He’s one of our personal plant based heros.
- Focuses on food addiction especially to dairy and why that’s so bad for us.
- https://www.amazon.com/Cheese-Trap-Breaking-Surprising-Addiction/dp/1455594687
Websites
- This is undoubtedly our favorite plant based information source. Created by the same guy who wrote How Not to Die, NutritionFacts.org is a compilation of all the latest nutrition research. Dr. Greger compiles all of the research, breaks it down for normal human understanding, then gives us the lowdown. If ever there is new research contradicting something that he said before, he totally owns up to it and gives us the most recent and relevant findings.
- Very science based, but easy to understand.
- Most of the info is in short video format, but there are also transcripts and links to the actual studies.
- You can subscribe to his daily emails/videos for free!
- This website has information on almost any plant-based question someone could have.
- Science based, written responses.
https://www.vegansociety.com/go-vegan/environment
- If you want to eat plant based for the planet, this website is for you.
- Addresses issues about the environment, factory farming, and world hunger.
- Though I hesitate to put PETA on this list, because I find some of their tactics pretty extreme, I still support most of their beliefs.
- If you are doing it for the animals, this is the place for you.
- Don’t go down the rabbit hole of animal slaughter videos though. Maybe watch one, but then you should be good. It just gets depressing if you watch too many.
Podcasts (awesome if you are limited on time)
The Rich Roll podcast
- “Each week Rich delves deep into all things wellness with some of the brightest and most forward thinking, paradigm busting minds in health, fitness, nutrition, art, entertainment, entrepreneurship & spirituality. Intimate, deep and often intense, these are not interviews. They are conversations. A weekly aural dance designed to provoke, educate, inspire and empower you to discover, uncover, unlock and unleash your best, most authentic self.” — Richroll.com
- Rich Roll used to be a super triathlete dude so that’s one reason why I love this podcast. Like the description above says though, he addresses all sorts of topics. Most of them are plant based in nature though.
- So good!
- http://www.richroll.com/category/podcast/ or find it wherever you listen to your podcasts
Nutrition Facts podcast
- Dr. Greger’s done it again!
- Pretty much a podcast version of the stuff on his website.
- He’s kind of a goofy guy so it might take some time to get used to him.
- Content is king though, and all of his content is based in sound science.
- https://nutritionfacts.org/audio/ or find it wherever you listen to your podcasts
Documentaries
*Just a quick note: most documentaries are over-sensationalized, because they are taking a strong stance. These documentaries are no exception. Not that you shouldn’t believe what they say, just realize that everything might not be as black and white as they make it seem.
What the Health film
- This is a fascinating film about how large corporations in the United States may not put America’s health first.
- Focuses on science and health.
- It made us want to learn more about big food industries and the government’s role on our health.
- http://www.whatthehealthfilm.com also on Netflix
Forks Over Knives
- This documentary features some of the plant based movement pioneers.
- They address the issues of processed and animal foods and how they can lead to disease.
- https://www.forksoverknives.com/the-film/#gs.8PSWH68 also on Netflix
Cowspiracy
- If you’re a planet saver, watch this!
- Focuses on the environment and how what we eat is killing our planet.
- From the same people who produced What the Health, this film makes you think twice about what you’re eating.
- http://www.cowspiracy.com also on Netflix
Earthlings
- Talks about the correlation between humans, animals, and our planet.
- Talks about animals being used as pets, clothing, food, scientific research, and entertainment.
- Makes you think differently about human behavior.
- http://www.nationearth.com
That concludes part 3 of 5 in our “How to go Vegan” mini series.
