#135: Myth Busting 2.0 with Dr. Matthew Nagra
Dive with us into some of the most common misconceptions about plant-based eating—from protein and soy to carbs, sugar, collagen, bone broth, and trendy diets like keto and paleo. Whether you're plant-curious or fully committed, Dr. Nagra delivers clear, science-backed insights that help cut through the noise.
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In this jam-packed episode, our friend Dr. Matt is here to drop some serious knowledge and bust some of the biggest (and most bizarre!) myths about healthy eating. Have you ever felt overwhelmed by all the different, seemingly contradicting, info floating around? “Soy gives men boobs!”, “Carbs are evil!”, “You need bone broth or your joints will disintegrate!” Today, we’re calling in a myth-busting superhero to help us sort fact from fiction.
We're thrilled to have Dr. Matthew Nagra back for his second appearance on our podcast. He’s a Vancouver-based Naturopathic Doctor, and total science nerd (in the best way possible), renowned for translating complex nutrition science into practical, evidence-based guidance. His dedication to correcting misinformation empowers individuals to make informed health choices.
Matt opens up about his own journey—how he got curious, did the research, and ended up uncovering a whole lot of truth behind the hype. He shares what he wishes more people knew about nutrition and why so many common beliefs around plant-based diets just don’t hold up when you actually look at the science.
We cover everything from flavor (spoiler: plant-based meals can be seriously delicious!) to protein (yes, some plants actually beat meat in this category), carbs, keto, paleo, soy, eggs, fish, seed oils, and even collagen and bone broth. Matt breaks down the facts in a super clear and approachable way, so you can make informed choices that align with your health goals—and feel good doing it.
Whether you’re plant-curious, fully vegan, or just want to eat a little healthier without the confusion, this episode is full of practical takeaways and evidence-based insights. Think of it as myth-busting with heart—and maybe a little mind-blowing along the way.
Let’s clear the confusion and feel empowered about what we put on our plates. 💚
EPISODE SHOW NOTES
- Matt shares how he ended up here mythbusting veganism
- What Matt wishes more people understood about plant-based nutrition
- Myth 1: Vegan food is monotonous and not flavorful
Fact: Have you seen the resources?! - Myth 2: You can’t get enough protein from plants
Fact: Discover the plants that have MORE protein than meat! - Myth 3: Animal proteins are better than plant proteins, especially for muscle-building
Fact: See what protein sources score as easiest to digest - Myth 4: Plant proteins are better than animal proteins for muscle building.
Fact: They’re about equal, but one has better health outcomes! - Myth 5: Carbs are bad for you
Fact: It depends! Learn which carbs are consistently associated with good health outcomes and lower health risks. - Myth 6: Carbs cause weight gain and diabetes
Fact: These select carbs are consistently associated with lower risks of obesity and a common disease - Myth 7: The Keto diet is a healthy way to lose weight long-term
Fact: The research shows another diet is better for heart health - Myth 8: The Paleo diet is a more natural or ideal way to eat
Fact: The evidence for longevity may go another way... - Myth 9: Eating soy will disrupt hormones and give men breasts
Fact: Soy can interact with estrogen receptors, but NOT in the way you think! Instead it brings these strikingly positive impacts - Myth 10: Eggs are a health food
Fact: Plant-based foods can have more health benefits than eggs - Myth 11: Bone broth and collagen are worth all the hype
Fact: The studies are limited and incomplete and say this instead - Myth 12: We need dairy milk for calcium and healthy bones
Fact: Learn what fortified plant-milks can provide similar amounts of calcium while serving MORE protein - Myth 13: Eating fish supports brain health
Fact: Learn the vegan options for EPA & DHA (omega-3 fatty acids) - Myth 14: Gluten is bad for people to eat
Fact: People who unnecessarily opt for gluten-free diets tend to have a higher risk of this common disease - Myth 15: Plant-based people can’t get enough iron and zinc without animal products.
Fact: Iron is the most common nutrient deficiency, even among omnivores, but these plant-based sources can be powerful solutions - Myth 16: Seed oils are bad for you
Fact: What the tests actually show about vegetable oils and increased inflammation - Myth 17: Oil-free diets are good for heart health
Fact: Vegetable oils contain this powerful macro-nutrient that can help fight against health risks
RESOURCES
- DrMatthewNagra.com
- Dr. Matthew Nagra on Instagram and YouTube
- Ep40: Debunking Health Myths with Dr. Matthew Nagra
- VegAnswers with Michelle & Dr. Matt
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