All those new diets!

Synopsis. Campbell and Campbell (2006) base their recommendations on the results of their extensive assessment of the nutrition habits of the Chinese, along with their associated health outcomes. They offer eight principles of considering nutrition, some of which are as follows: nutrition involves consumption of many food substances; nutrients obtained from plants are similar to those obtained from animal-based foods; nutrition plays a role in gene expression; nutrition can control adverse effects of noxious chemicals; nutrition has disease-preventive and -reversal actions; and health is infl uenced by good nutrition. Foods to be avoided include meat, poultry, diary and eggs while carbohydrates, vegetable oils, and fi sh should be eaten sparingly. Vegetables and fruits comprise the major foods in this diet. Each chapter is supported by a robust reference list. Stone’s (2011) book extends the discussion about the benefi ts of a plant-based diet, offering six key principles: (1) ingest plants, the closer to its natural state, the better; (2) “avoid overly processed foods” (p. 5) (nothing new with that principle!); (3) additives and preservatives should be avoided; (4) avoid dairy products; (5) choose foods rich in carbohydrates such as broccoli; and (6) protein needs are met with a plant-based diet. Although a robust reference list is absent, there is an extensive repertoire of recipes. Davis (2011), a preventive cardiologist, shifts the discussion from the benefi ts of a plant-based diet to a diet in which wheat and wheat products are eliminated. He suggests, based on evidence, that there is a relation between wheat ingestion (gluten) and obesity, diabetes, hip and joint conditions, the aging process, and cardiovascular diseases. He argues that wheat products stimulate the appetite, increase insulin, and LDL production, thus contributing to negative health outcomes. Consequently, wheat products should be removed from the diet. Nonwheat grains may be ingested in limited quantities. Similar to the diets offered by the other two authors, Davis encourages the consumption of vegetables, select fruits, and raw nuts. Consumption of meat and eggs to meet appetite signals is encouraged. Dairy products in “the least processed form” (p. 217) are permitted. Although ingestion of cheese is permitted, individuals are encouraged to limit the consumption of dairy products such as cottage cheese, milk, and butter.