214 THE CHINA STUDYCHART 10.5: EFFECT OF ANIMAL PROTEIN INTAKE
ON CALCIUM AND OXALATE IN THE URINE
Calcium Oxalatei , , iii •• , i ; , • iii. , , , : , i ,
Day 2 ,4 (^6 8 10 12 2) :4 6 8 10 12
Basal: + Animal Protein Basal: + Animal Protein
A substantial and convincing effect on stone formation has been dem-
onstrated for animal-based foods. Recent research also shows that kidney
stone formation can be initiated by the activity of free radicals,38 and may
thus be prevented by consumption of antioxidant-containing plant-based
foods (see chapter four). For yet another organ and another disease, we
see opposing effects (in this case on stone formation) by animal-and
plant-based foods.
EYE PROBLEMS
People who can see well often take vision for granted. We treat our
eyes more as little bits of technology than as living parts of the body;
and are all too willing to believe that lasers are the best course of action
for maintaining healthy eyes. But during the past couple of decades,
research has shown that these bits of "technology" are actually greatly
affected by the foods we eat. Our breakfasts, lunches and dinners have
a particular effect on two common eye diseases, cataracts and macular
degeneration-diseases which afflict millions of older Americans.
Yes, that's right. I'm about to tell you that if you eat animal foods in-
stead of plant foods, you just might go blind.
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of irreversible blindness