Will Government Listen to Diet Recommendations?

Will Government Listen to Diet Recommendations?
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More than 700 prominent and highly respected members of the scientific community of doctors, nutritionists, nurses and public health professionals have signed a letter to the U.S Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services, asking that they follow the recommendations of a federally-appointed panel that has advised eating less animal-based foods and more plant-based ones. Prominent on the list of signers is Harvard’s Department of Nutrition Chairman, Dr. Walter Willett, arguably the most respected nutritionist in the world. He has done more solid scientific research than anyone else ever to clear up confusion about what constitutes a healthful diet. The letter states that:

  • “Three of the four leading causes of preventable death: heart disease, cancer, and stroke — are diet related”
  • “Heavy meat consumption, especially red and processed meat, is associated with increased risks of heart disease, diabetes and some cancers”
  • “Plant-based diets are associated with decreased risks for heart disease, diabetes and some cancers.”
Clogged Artery (wildpixel/iStock)
Clogged Artery wildpixel/iStock
Gabe Mirkin
Gabe Mirkin
Author
Sports medicine doctor, fitness guru and long-time radio host Gabe Mirkin, M.D. brings you news and tips for your healthful lifestyle. A practicing physician for more than 50 years and a radio talk show host for 25 years, Dr. Mirkin is a graduate of Harvard University and Baylor University College of Medicine. He is one of a very few doctors board-certified in four specialties: Sports Medicine, Allergy and Immunology, Pediatrics and Pediatric Immunology.
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