In Part One of the two-part series on science and health with T. Colin Campbell, PhD., Campbell discusses his findings on what science is actually saying about health and nutrition and the vegan benefits to health. Dr. Campell is the author of The China Study, a Professor Emeritus of Nutritional Biochemistry at Cornell University and the Project Director of the China-Oxford-Cornell Diet and Health Project.
Click here to read how Dennis McCuistion applied the principles of this episode in his vegetarian diet experiment.
There is an obvious health problem in the United States. While, American citizens spend more on health care than any other country, two-thirds of the country is overweight. Greater than 15 million Americans have diabetes, more than 1 million have high cholesterol and half of all Americans have a health problem that requires them to use a prescription drug. Dr. Campbell sought to discover what, if any, are the changes that could be made to the American diet to better prevent disease. Partnering with Cornell, Oxford and the Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine, Dr. Campbell conducted his study.
The American diet consists of high quantities of protein. However, the findings of The China Study suggest that there are significant vegan benefits to health. Disease increases when a person consumes more than 10% protein in comparison to his or her daily caloric intake. The average American has a protein consumption of 17-18% and 70-75% of that is from animal foods. Through Campbell’s research, it became very clear that there is a direct relationship between animal protein intake and disease increase. The findings showed that as soon as animal protein started to show up in the diet, there was an increase in cholesterol, cancer and heart disease.
Dr. Campbell, closes his conversation noting that his intention in his message is not to push an opinion on listeners, but rather to provide information to the public that unfortunately has not been taught. His concern is that the information the public tends to receive is incorrect, therefore consumers cannot make educated choices on healthy diets. The facts from his study clearly point toward strong vegan benefits to healthy living.
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04.12.09 – 1713
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During an interview and follow-up Q & A with T. Colin Campbell, PhD., author of The China Study, Campbell discusses what we should eat, shouldn’t eat and how to eat right in a fast food nation. Campbell, a strong proponent of vegan benefits for health, disease prevention, and longevity of life goes on to further explain details of his research and findings during his China Health Study.
Campbell’s initial research consisted of in-depth lab research focusing on the consumption of animal based foods versus plant based foods and its effect on the rate of disease. In his research, conducted in China, he and his team surveyed 130 villages (6,500 families) taking necessary samples, such as blood and urine, and sited nutrient levels and elements of that nature. They then compared information on their blood health with the rates of disease for 400+ kinds of diseases.
Their findings clearly indicated that to have optimized health, animal products should be eliminated and a strict vegan diet is the healthiest way to prevent disease.
Throughout the course of the interview and Q & A, he continues to compare the China study’s diet with the Mediterranean diet, the myth of animal calcium intake, the role of fat in relation to disease and more.
Following the original airing of this episode, host, Dennis McCuistion tried out the diet to see if it was everything it claimed. Click here to see his findings on Vegan Benefits to Health.
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04.19.09 – 1714
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The China Study, one of the most comprehensive studies of its time, pointed out the benefits of vegetarian diets. According to Dr. Campbell, meat and dairy are harmful and shorten a life span, not to mention the accompanying side effects that can be detrimental to one’s health.
Click here to view the episode on nutrition that provoked the vegetarian diet experiment.
Dennis McCuistion, host of the discussion, was so taken by the information, he decided to experiment and see if the benefits were all the study touted. He has and it worked… He is now almost a full blown vegan himself, with good results. I (Niki McCuistion) asked him about the up and down sides. Here’s what Dennis said:
“The China Study had information that was based on real, objective research that clearly pointed out the risks in eating animal protein and the advantages of plant protein. So I just asked, ‘Why am I killing myself when I have a third of my life left?’ I had already quit drinking milk due to lactose intolerance so that was easy to see.
I lost over 10 pounds in the next 90 days and have kept it off for over 2 years. I always felt good and now feel even better with one great unexpected side effect: I seldom ever have a headache. I cannot say there is a cause and effect, but it’s an added advantage.
It is not difficult to follow, just bothersome as there is virtually no way to eat anything at a fast food place. That is a shame as I am in the habit of often eating on the run, so to speak. At good restaurants, while there may be a limited menu, they will make a vegetable plate. Our American habits of filling up a plate is a shame as there is always a waste.
My typical breakfast is:
- Cereal with fruit (blueberries, strawberries and bananas) with man’s bread or equivalent and non-butter.
- Hot decaffeinated tea is good and some health supplements are also good.
Lunch is usually a vegetable dish. I shouldn’t have bread but usually do, and of course anything chocolate is my weakness.
Dinner can include:
- Salad and veggies, beans, in particular, for protein.
- I may have a protein drink occasionally.
- Pizza without cheese but with lots of veggies is also good.
- Eat lots of nuts, easy on the salt of course.
Oh, after about 30 days, I had no craving for a good steak or other meat. I do eat fish once or twice a week, preferably not fried. I am not obsessive; I just try to be sensible.
As to other regimes, I never really dieted before and don’t consider this a diet either, just a change in the way I eat and live. And I sure feel better.”
Niki Nicastro McCuistion
Executive producer/Producer
