Some key findings:
Fat intake:rural China 14% of total caloric intake vs US >35%
Protein intake: rural China 10% of calories from animal protein, US 70%
Total caloric intake of rural Chinese diet was 20-30% more that in US
The diet consumed in rural China is plant based nutrition compared with the typical American diet based upon animal protein.
The study analysis showed a tremendous difference in the incidence of "Diseases of Affluence", specifically cancer, heart disease and diabetes. These diseases exist in very low rates in rural China compared to the US. What's more, rural Chinese who emigrated to the US, adopting the local diet then developed these diseases at the same rate as native born Americans. One finding I found to be particularly amazing involved a 3 county area in China with a population of over 400,000 in which, during the 3 years of the study, not a single person died from a heart attack. In a comparable sized US region the rate of death from heart attacks is about 80 per year, so 240 over a 3 year period compared to zero. I find that astounding.
The effects of these dietary differences were also noted to impact other disease states i.e. kidney stones, osteoporosis, and autoimmune diseases. The implications are broad. Adopting a plant based diet can significantly impact the incidence and prevalence of the leading causes of death and disability in the U.S. It will, however, take a tremendous change in our dietary habits.
Reading the China Study, as well as Dr. Esselstyn's Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease, has totally changed my perspective on diet and health. I am now 2 months into my adoption of these dietary changes and feel great. Join me, it's not as daunting a task as it first appears. In fact it is quite simple. Read the China Study, it is eye opening.
