So you say you’re interested in a plant-based diet?
So you say you’re interested in a plant-based diet?
It’s true that many plants provide an abundance of nutrients, typically at a fraction of the energy expended to raise animal protein. However, before embarking on a wholesale change in diet, it’s worth considering the research and experience of a trio of neurotoxicologists at Oregon Health & Science University.
Their message: Not all plants are good for you.
That’s particularly true for those who are undernourished or depend on a single plant. But the scientists caution that growing interest in foraging for wild edibles raises the risk for people in wealthy countries, too, especially as some plants may become more toxic with a changing climate.
“The bottom line is that plants and fungi were not put here for our benefit – they need to defend themselves,” said Peter Spencer, professor of neurology in the OHSU School of Medicine and an affiliated faculty member of the Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences at OHSU. “They have all sorts of chemical defense systems that would make the Department of Defense blush with embarrassment at their former efforts.”
Read more at Oregon Health & Science University
Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay
