However, a diet primarily comprised of meat and animal-based foods comes with risks.

d3sign / Getty Images

Besides Protein, What Are the Benefits of the Carnivore Diet?

There is limited research on the carnivore diet.

Over the shoulder view of woman buying meat in a supermarket

d3sign / Getty Images

The most significant study to date was conducted in 2021 by Harvard researchers.

They interviewed 2,029 people who were on the diet for at least six months.

The diet’s primary goal is weight loss by consuming minimal daily carbohydrates.

Who Shouldn’t Do a Carnivore Diet

Talk to a healthcare provider before beginning any fad diet.

Many people try thecarnivore dietto lose weight or improve their health.

The carnivore diet provides little to no fiber, increasing the risk ofconstipation.

Fiber encourages regular bowel movements and helps create good bacteria in the gut.

Quality gut health helps support a healthy immune system.

For optimal health, consider a well-balanced diet.

This means eating foods from every food group to provide complete nutrition from various sources.

Most people who try the carnivore diet want to lose weight or manage chronic conditions.

However, there is limited research on the health benefits of a carnivore diet.

The lack of fiber can also cause constipation and poor gut health.

doi: 10.1093/cdn/nzab133

American Heart Association.Saturated fat.

2022;6(5):nzac037.

doi:10.1093/cdn/nzac037

Carnivore.diet.Carnivore diet health benefits.

MedlinePlus.Glycemic index and diabetes.

Harvard Center for Health and the Global Environment.The carnivore diet risks and side effects.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Tips for healthy eating for a healthy weight.