A diet expert has been slammed by viewers of ITV’s The Morning for claiming vegan diets are ‘a jerk’ on the show.
The ITV talk show hosted a segment on the Tuesday morning (June 14) episode to discuss the argument that a vegan diet really is the best option for our bodies and the planet. Jayne Buxton, author of The Great Plant-Based Con, appeared on the show to discuss how diets that exclude animal foods can harm your health.
Speaking to presenters Holly and Phil, she said: “They’re marketed as quality healthy alternatives when they’re not.” She added that some companies have been criticized for claiming it’s a better diet for the environment, which isn’t always the case.
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In recent years, the meat and dairy industries have become more exposed to their environmental harm, including increased carbon emissions. But a diet of only plant-based foods — especially non-processed meat alternatives — isn’t the way to go, says Jayne Buxton.
The author explained how plant-only diets can mean you are deficient in certain vitamins and minerals with more chemicals and additives added to processed plant-based foods. Phillip Schofield highlighted how the Vegan Society states that supplements may be needed in a plant-based diet to ensure it is healthy and balanced.
Explaining her research, she added: “I am supported by an army of scientists who helped me research the book and support me now.” She believes in a zero-carb, zero-carb diet, using real whole foods and small amounts of animal products, like milk, which she says is rich in the vitamins our bodies need.
Jayne explained how the soil crisis facing the planet – from which 84% of topsoil has been lost – would be catastrophic for food production. If we cannot grow food, it will mean loss of life, she added.
Viewers took to Twitter to disagree with the author’s argument, with many pointing to dairy farming as a harmful industry. @MsMeesyTheMinx said: ‘I guess this lady never watched the panoramic dairy farming show? Because she should’
@Bekieboyd explained: “Why do we call cow’s milk ‘ordinary milk’? Why did we choose a cow out of all the animals to give it hormones so that it produces milk that we drink all the time. This It’s not natural. It’s weird. No I wonder if people are embarrassed to ask.”
@Jenna69556206 added, “Who is this pro meat pro dairy quack on desperate stuff #thismorning!!!”
Some fans of the show were frustrated at being “lectured” about diets. @JayHBaker94 added: “I’m sick of all the sermons from other people telling other people what to eat. If I want meat, I’ll have it – Why because I like it.”
However, some people agreed with the author of the diet. @DaniJ94 wrote: “Finally someone this morning who talks common sense, I like him.” @KatieMagnet added: “What a brilliant #ThisMorning Plant interview based asshole.”
This Morning is on ITV1 weekdays from 10am and available to stream on ITVHub
