This week, instead of posting a recipe I thought I’d talk about an interesting book that I just finished reading: The China Study by T. Colin Campbell, PhD with Thomas M. Campbell II.
The book discusses a major comprehensive study conducted in China and Taiwan which gives great insight into the differences between a Western diet full of animal proteins, fat and cholesterol versus a Chinese diet full of plant protein, fiber and carbohydrates and their effects on common diseases of affluence. Campbell discusses diabetes, common cancers, autoimmune diseases, obesity and heart disease and the implications of animal proteins, high fat intake and eating a Western diet have on our health.
Campbell also discusses why we’re all so confused about what to eat, what’s healthy and why diet fads don’t work. He specifically addresses the low-carb diets that are full of unhealthy animal proteins, fat and cholesterol. He even addresses the relationship and politics of medicine, pharmaceutical companies, government, education and the food industry.
Things I found fascinating in the book:
- Studies show that it’s possible to “turn off cancer” with proper nutrition—whole food, plant-based diet
- Eating a “low-fat” Western diet will not make you healthier or prevent any diseases (read more on the Nurses’ Health Study about this)
- The “American” diet is getting more people sicker than ever—despite all the dieting craze that so many people participate in
- You can make a big difference in how you feel and change your health by eating differently—it’s something that’s not controlled by genetics
- Genes do play a role in disease, but certainly not the only role
- The whole of what we eat is much greater than individual parts
- If you’re eating a plant-based diet you should make sure you are obtaining enough vitamins D & B12—if not, you may have to take supplements
If you’re suffering from disease or know someone who has a disease such as diabetes, heart disease, or precursors to diseases such as high cholesterol or being overweight—I’d really recommend checking out this book. It’s amazing to read through this and feel that you can take control of your health three times a day. Eating a plant-based diet sure is much cheaper than taking medication and is a way to improve the overall quality of your life. Plus—imagine if you really could stop cancer growth or lower your insulin dependency by just changing your diet. It seems worth a shot to me.
“The science is clear. The results are unmistakable. Change your diet and dramatically reduce your risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes and obesity.”
Personally, I think this book has made me want to eat even less animal products than I already do (right now I’m vegetarian, but eat vegan a lot). I’ve been exploring many vegan food options lately to lower my animal protein intake to stay healthy and fight disease. And I’ve been loving every moment of it. 
Have you read The China Study—what did you think? Or do you think you’ll read it?
