The Truths About Nutrition
Written by Jim Hicks
"There is a wealth of published research that suggests that the diseases of affluence are a result of poor nutrition; not poor genes or bad luck. So why doesn't the medical system take nutrition seriously? Four words: money, power, ego and control. While it is unfair to generalize about individual doctors, it is safe to say that the system they work in, the system that currently takes responsibility for promoting the health of Americans, is failing us. Most, but not all, of the confusion about nutrition is created in legal, fully disclosed ways and is disseminated by unsuspecting, well-intentioned people, whether they are researchers, politicians, or journalists. The entire system--government, science, medicine, industry and media--promotes profits over health, technology over food and confusion over clarity. The most damaging aspect of the system is not sensational, nor is it likely to create much of a stir upon its discovery. It is a silent enemy that few people see and understand." T Colin Campbell; Author of The China Study
Why is America so out of shape and riddled with disease? Why is America so confused about what is considered a healthy diet? Why isn’t the USDA telling Americans the Truth About Nutrition? The answer is simple and cannot be disputed. The USDA, (yes, the creators of our nation’s Food Pyramid) was founded and continues to be primarily funded by America’s meat ranchers and dairy farmers. For this reason, the USDA has refused to accept the indisputable research found in no less than 25,000 studies and articles that call for the dramatic reduction of calories from animal products. While some animal protein is acceptable, the average American gets 41% of their calories from animal products. THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE!
Below is a summary of the Truth About Nutrition that have been compiled from reading and studying hundreds of books and articles on the relationship between health and nutrition. These facts were taken from the worlds most respected physicians including Eat Right America’s Joel Fuhrman, M.D, T. Collin Campbell (author of the China Study), John Robbins, Howard Lyman, Neal Barnard, M.D., Caldwell Esselstyn, M.D., Dean Ornish, M.D. and John McDougall, M.D.
1. Rich Western Diet. The rich Western diet is primarily responsible for driving the out-of-control obesity and healthcare crisis that we are currently experiencing in the USA and in many of the other wealthier nations. The Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) is severely lacking in vital nutrients needed by the human body to promote vibrant health.
2. Chronic Disease. Rather than promoting health, the S.A.D. promotes most of the well-known chronic diseases (also known as diseases of affluence) including heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, stroke, and many cancers. 75% of the healthcare dollars in the USA are spent on the treatment of these chronic diseases, most of which are totally preventable, if not reversible, on an optimal diet.
3. Optimal Diet. An optimal diet for humans is one that delivers 85% or more of its calories from whole, unrefined plant-based foods. The average American on the S.A.D. gets a paltry 7% of his/her calories from these nutritious foods…yet most Americans think that they are already eating a healthy diet.
4. Kids Food. The way we feed our kids in the USA is criminal and should be punished just like any other form of child abuse. With most of their calories coming from meat, dairy, sugar and refined flour products; our little darlings get an abysmal 5% of their calories from the highly nutritious whole plant foods. Is there any wonder why childhood obesity is soaring and why Type 2 diabetes is now so prevalent among our children?
5. Doctors and Dieticians. As unbelievable as it may seem, most medical doctors and registered dieticians do not practice nutritional excellence in their own lives and have not been trained to promote health among their patients. Your own doctor probably does not know what you need to do to be the healthiest that you can be.
7 Erectile Dysfunction. E.D., like atherosclerosis, is all about restricted blood flow...which results from too much animal protein, fat and cholesterol in our diets…all of which leads to a build up of plaque in our arteries.
8. What About Protein?. For the record, calorie for calorie, spinach contains more protein than sirloin steak. The optimal amount of animal protein in our diet is very close to zero percent of our calories. There are virtually no nutrients in animal-based foods that are not better provided by plants. Along with red meat; cheese, milk, fish, eggs, and turkey are all loaded with cholesterol and are to be minimized if not avoided completely.
9. Dietary Fiber. The "experts" typically recommend 25 grams of fiber per day; the average American is getting less than 15 grams. On the other hand, an optimal diet delivers between 50 and 100 grams per day; creating virtual magic in the way the body functions on a day-to-day basis. We're talking fiber from whole foods, not fiber from supplements or refined foods.
10, Vibrant Health Now. Consuming an optimal diet is not just about preventing chronic disease in the future and keeping you out of the nursing home; it is also about promoting vibrant health every day for the rest of your life. Symptoms of vibrant health include: effortless and permanent weight loss, more energy, better sleep, clear skin, better eyesight, sharper thinking, no constipation, less body odor, normal blood pressure, fewer/no prescription drugs, better sex life, fewer (if any) common colds...and hundreds more.