The Paul Saladino Stance on Chocolate
For those following the online health sphere, the question of whether Paul Saladino eats chocolate is a common point of confusion. The answer is a clear no. Saladino, a former strict carnivore advocate who has since shifted to a more permissive 'animal-based' diet, avoids cocoa for several reasons aligned with his philosophy that many plants contain harmful 'defense chemicals'. He views chocolate, which comes from the cocoa bean (a seed), as a concentrated source of these potential toxins, alongside concerns about heavy metal contamination. Instead, for sweetness, he advocates for fruit and honey, which he has incorporated into his diet to address deficiencies he experienced on a strictly all-meat regimen.
Why Cocoa Is Excluded from the Animal-Based Diet
Paul Saladino’s diet is a direct result of his personal experience and interpretation of ancestral eating patterns. His core argument against cocoa centers on its nature as a seed and the compounds it contains:
- Plant Defense Chemicals: According to Saladino, plants use seeds to reproduce and therefore heavily defend them with chemicals to deter predators. He considers caffeine and theobromine in cocoa to be examples of these defensive toxins.
- Heavy Metal Contamination: Saladino has highlighted reports showing that cocoa can contain potentially dangerous levels of heavy metals, such as cadmium, which the plant may absorb from the soil. For him, this poses an unnecessary risk that is best avoided.
- Oxalates and Nutrient Binding: Like other plant foods, cocoa is known to contain oxalates, which can bind to minerals like calcium and zinc, potentially inhibiting their absorption. Saladino's discussions on oxalates extend to many plant foods he avoids, including dark chocolate.
- Seed-based Concerns: Beyond specific compounds, the simple fact that cocoa is a seed is enough for Saladino to largely exclude it, given his broader belief that seeds and leaves are among the most heavily defended parts of plants.
The Shift from Carnivore to Animal-Based
Interestingly, Saladino's journey has been one of evolution, not stagnation. While his initial advocacy was for a strict, nose-to-tail carnivore diet, he later found himself suffering from side effects like heart palpitations, sleep disturbances, and a drop in testosterone. This led him to re-evaluate and introduce non-toxic carbohydrates, specifically fruit and honey, back into his diet. This moderation highlights his willingness to adapt his approach based on personal outcomes, even if it means moving away from a previously rigid dietary rule set. His continued avoidance of cocoa, however, demonstrates his conviction regarding its specific risks.
Comparing Saladino's Diet Phases
To understand the context of his stance on chocolate, it's helpful to compare Saladino's diet in its different phases.
| Feature | Strict Carnivore (Pre-2020) | Animal-Based (Post-2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Core Foods | Meat, organs, animal fats, some low-lactose dairy. | Meat, organs, animal fats, some raw dairy, fruit, and honey. |
| Carbohydrates | Near-zero intake, as all plant foods were eliminated. | Up to 200-300g per day, primarily from fruit and honey. |
| Chocolate/Cocoa | Strictly prohibited. | Strictly prohibited. |
| Rationale | Plants contain toxins; meat is the most nutrient-dense food. | Many plants contain toxins; fruit and honey provide needed carbohydrates with the fewest 'defense chemicals'. |
| Observed Effects | Experienced symptoms like sleep issues and electrolyte imbalance. | Reported resolution of previous issues after reintroducing carbs. |
Conclusion: Navigating Dietary Advice
In summary, Paul Saladino's personal diet definitively excludes chocolate and cocoa-based products. His reasons are rooted in his belief system regarding plant-based toxins, specifically focusing on the defense chemicals within seeds and the risk of heavy metal contamination. This is part of his broader dietary framework that favors animal products, fruit, and honey, while rejecting many other plant-based foods. His journey from a strict carnivore to an animal-based advocate who includes fruit demonstrates a personal exploration of health, although his claims about plant toxicity and diet have been subject to scientific criticism. For anyone considering his dietary recommendations, it is crucial to understand the rationale behind his choices, including his firm avoidance of chocolate. For more information on the debate surrounding heavy metals in chocolate, Consumer Reports has published findings that can inform further research.
Understanding Saladino's Dietary Evolution
Saladino's dietary path is a public experiment, with his shift away from a pure carnivore diet representing a significant adjustment. He publicly addressed the reasons for adding fruit and honey, noting improvements in his sleep, electrolyte balance, and hormone levels. This move surprised many of his followers and cemented his current dietary approach, which he describes as 'animal-based' rather than strictly carnivore.
Making Informed Dietary Decisions
When evaluating health claims from influencers like Paul Saladino, it's always wise to look at the full picture. His views, particularly on plant foods, often stand in contrast to mainstream nutritional science, which emphasizes the benefits of a diverse diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber. While his personal results on an animal-based diet are compelling to some, the long-term health implications and scientific validity of his broader theories remain debated. Individuals should consider multiple perspectives and consult with healthcare professionals before making significant dietary changes.
