Eva Birath, a 70-year-old grandmother of three from Gothenburg, Sweden, has gained attention for her remarkably youthful appearance, which she attributes to a combination of intense physical activity and a diet consisting exclusively of animal products.
Ms. Birath adheres to a strict weightlifting regimen, exercising four times per week, and consumes approximately 800 grams of meat daily. She has a lifelong dedication to fitness, having played volleyball since age 12 and competed in bodybuilding from her 40s through her 60s. Her health practices also include regular saunas and cold plunges. "I don't eat anything from plants, only food from animals. I think 80 per cent of good health is what we eat," Ms. Birath stated.
Despite her regimen, experts have raised concerns about diets heavily reliant on meat, often referred to as carnivore diets. Medical professionals have linked such eating patterns to an increase in gout, a painful form of arthritis caused by uric acid buildup, which is exacerbated by compounds found in red meat. Cardiologists have also highlighted potential heart risks, citing diets high in saturated fat. Dr. Dmitry Yaranov, a U.S. heart doctor, previously noted a connection between meat-heavy diets and a rise in heart attacks among younger patients.
The British Heart Foundation advises that diets extremely high in saturated fat and low in fiber can elevate cholesterol levels, thereby increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Furthermore, lifelong consumption of large amounts of red meat, with limited intake of carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables, has been associated with a significantly higher risk of bowel cancer.
Ms. Birath herself was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 61 and underwent surgery to remove a tumor. At the time of her diagnosis, she had been following a carnivore diet for six years. Following her cancer treatment, she noted a decrease in her strength and stamina. However, she remains committed to her lifestyle, emphasizing consistency and good nutrition as the keys to her perceived well-being and physique.
Health organizations such as the World Health Organization recommend a balanced, moderate, and diverse diet. European guidelines for cancer prevention suggest that whole grains, vegetables, legumes, and fruits should form a substantial part of daily food intake, with limited consumption of red meat.