LESSONS FROM CHINA 103men and 11 for women).6l However, this effect was primarily attributed
to plant protein, because it makes up 90% of the total Chinese protein
intake. Animal protein consumption was indeed associated with greater
body weight,l and consumption of protein-rich milk seemed to be effec-
tive as well.1! But the good news is this: Greater plant protein intake was
closely linked to greater heightIl and body weightY Body growth is linked
to protein in general and both animal and plant proteins are effective!
This means that individuals can achieve their genetic potential for
growth and body size by consuming a plant-based diet. So why is it that
people in developing nations, who consume little or no animal-based
foods, are consistently smaller than Western people? This is because
plant-based diets in poor areas of the world usually have insufficient
variety, inadequate quantity and quality and are associated with poor
public health conditions where childhood diseases are prevalent. Under
these conditions, growth is stunted and people do not reach their ge-
netic potential for adult body size. In the China Study, low adult height
and weight were strongly associated with areas having high mortality
rates for pulmonary tuberculosis,IIl parasitic diseases,JIl pneumonia (Ill
for height), " intestinal obstruction"m and digestive diseases. III
These findings support the idea that body stature can be achieved
by consuming a low-fat, plant-based diet, provided that public health
conditions effectively control the diseases of poverty. Under these con-
ditions, the diseases of affluence (heart disease, cancers, diabetes, etc.)
can be simultaneously minimized.
The same low-animal protein, low-fat diet that helps prevent obesity
also allows people to reach their full growth potential while working
other wonders as well. It better regulates blood cholesterol and reduces
heart disease and a variety of cancers.
What are the odds that all of these associations (and many others)
favoring a plant-based diet are due to pure chance? It is extremely un-
likely, to say the least. Such consistency of evidence across a broad range
of associations is rare in scientific research. It points to a new worldview,
a new paradigm. It defies the status quo, promises new health benefits
and demands our attention.