The Carnivore Code Book — The Best Parts

I want to share insights from The Carnivore Code by Dr. Paul Saladino. This book changed how I view plant-based foods, anti-nutrients, and the bioavailability of nutrients.

For years, we’ve been told to eat fruits and vegetables for vitamins. But Saladino explains why plant nutrients aren’t always in the most usable form for our bodies.

The Truth About Anti-Nutrients

Anti-nutrients in plants can block mineral absorption. Spinach, for example, contains oxalates, which bind to minerals like calcium and iron, making them unavailable to the body.

Many believe carrots provide essential vitamin A. However, the beta-carotene in plants isn’t directly usable. The body must convert it to retinol, but this process is inefficient and unreliable.

Instead of struggling to extract vitamin A from plants, you can get it directly from animal foods like eggs, fatty fish, and red meat in a form your body can immediately use.

Antioxidants in fruits also don’t work as expected. When you consume them, they actually trigger mild stress in the body, forcing it to create its own antioxidants in response.

This was one of the first books I read that explained how plant compounds don’t always benefit us. It changed how I thought about nutrition and bioavailability.

Do We Really Need Fruits and Vegetables?

If humans required plants to survive, entire populations would have died out. The Inuit thrived on animal-based diets, proving plant foods aren’t necessary for complete nutrition.

Animal foods provide essential vitamins and minerals without the drawbacks of anti-nutrients. Meat, fish, eggs, and organ meats contain everything the body needs in its most absorbable form.

Many people think vitamin C only comes from fruit. However, fresh meat contains small amounts of vitamin C, which is sufficient when carbohydrates are low and nutrient absorption is optimized.

Paul Saladino and the Fruit Debate

Since writing The Carnivore Code, Saladino has added fruit and honey to his diet. While he thrives on it, not everyone can tolerate that level of carbohydrates.

Some people, especially those with metabolic issues, struggle with sugar, even from fruit. If you’re insulin resistant, cutting all sugar—including fruit—may be necessary to fully heal.

Judy Cho, author of Carnivore Cure, disagrees with Saladino’s pro-fruit stance. She argues that many people should avoid plant-based sugars altogether to restore metabolic and hormonal health.

Gary Taubes, in The Case Against Sugar, discusses how some people genetically don’t tolerate carbohydrates well. For them, even natural sugars can cause blood sugar spikes and inflammation.

The key is knowing your body. Some people may reintroduce fruit after healing, but for others, even small amounts can trigger negative effects like cravings or energy crashes.

What This Means for You

After reading The Carnivore Code, I stopped feeling pressured to eat fruits and vegetables. Instead, I focused on prioritizing nutrient-dense animal foods like meat, eggs, and healthy fats.

If you’re struggling with your health, start by healing first. Remove foods that cause inflammation and imbalance, then reintroduce selectively to see what works best for you.

The human body is resilient, but only when given the right fuel. Eating animal-based foods ensures you get all the essential nutrients in the most efficient and bioavailable way.

If you’ve always believed plants are essential, challenge that idea. Research, experiment, and, most importantly—listen to how your own body responds to different foods.

You don’t have to follow trends or conventional wisdom. Instead, base your nutrition choices on science, personal experience, and what makes you feel your best every day.