Eva Birath, a 70-year-old grandmother of three from Gothenburg, Sweden, maintains an exceptionally youthful appearance, which she attributes to a strict adherence to weightlifting and a diet devoid of plant-based foods. Birath engages in weight training four times a week and consumes approximately 800 grams of meat daily, equivalent to about four sirloin steaks.
Birath has a long history of fitness, having played volleyball since age 12 and competed in bodybuilding contests from her 40s through her 60s. She also incorporates regular saunas and cold plunges into her routine. "I'm just trying to be as fit as I can. I have always prioritized fitness," Birath stated. "I don't eat anything from plants, only food from animals. I think 80 per cent of good health is what we eat."
She contrasts her health and fitness with that of her peers, describing most older adults as "unhealthy and weak."
Experts, however, have voiced concerns regarding diets heavily reliant on meat, often referred to as 'carnivore' diets. Cardiologists have highlighted potential heart risks due to the high saturated fat content common in such diets. U.S. heart doctor Dmitry Yaranov has previously linked a series of heart attacks in young patients to meat-heavy eating habits. The British Heart Foundation notes that diets high in saturated fat and low in fiber can elevate cholesterol levels, thereby increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Furthermore, medical professionals have associated the popularity of carnivore diets with an increase in gout, a painful form of arthritis resulting from uric acid buildup, which can be triggered by compounds found in red meat. Consuming large quantities of red meat over a lifetime, with limited intake of carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables, has also been linked to a significantly elevated risk of bowel cancer.
Birath herself was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 61, undergoing surgery to remove a tumor. At the time of her diagnosis, she had been following a carnivore diet for six years. "I'm weaker and my stamina is not as good," she said following her cancer treatment. Despite this, she remains committed to her lifestyle and encourages exercise.
She attributes her physical condition to her lifestyle choices, emphasizing consistency and "good nutrition" rather than any quick fixes. Recommendations from the World Health Organization suggest that a healthy diet should be adequate, balanced, moderate, and diverse. European cancer prevention guidelines advise making whole grains, vegetables, legumes, and fruit a significant part of daily intake while limiting red meat consumption.