52 Joel Fuhrman, M.D.substances. This is at least ten times more than what the average
American consumes.
So why is this the case? Why do we see so much heart disease
and cancer in wealthier societies? Is it animal products that are so
deadly? Are refined carbohydrates solely to blame? Or is it just that
plant foods are so miraculously wonderful at protecting us against
disease? Or is it all three?
Obviously, the economically poorer regions of the world have sig-
nificant public health problems: poor sanitation; poverty and malnu-
trition; high infant-mortality rates; high rates of infectious disease,
including AIDS, parasitic diseases, and even tuberculosis. However,
in spite of all these things that cause an early death, if we look at the
cause-of-death statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO)
for people between the ages of fifty-five and seventy-five, we find very
few cancer deaths and heart attack deaths in those poor societies.
The diseases of poverty are mostly infectious diseases and are
found in areas of the world with compromised nutrition. Heart attacks
and the most common cancers (breast, colon, prostate) are found in
rich societies where nutritional extravagance is the rule. Nowhere in
the world today can we find a society that combines economic wealth
with a high intake and variety of unrefined plant foods.Can you imagine the health potential of a society that would be
able to enjoy excellent sanitation, emergency medical care, refrigeration,
clean water, flush toilets, and availability of fresh produce year-round
and yet avoid nutritional ignorance and nutritional extravagance?
We have this opportunity today, an unprecedented opportunity in
human history, the opportunity to live a long and healthy life without
the fear of disease. This opportunity can be yours.Nutritional Powerhouses: Plant Foods
Natural plant foods, though usually carbohydrate-rich, also contain
protein and fats. On average, 25 percent of the calories in vegetables
are from protein. Romaine lettuce, for example, is rich in both pro-
tein and essential fatty acids, giving us those healthy fats our bodies
require. For more information about essential fats and the protein
content of vegetables and various other foods, see chapter six.Many large-scale epidemiological studies have shown conclusively
that certain plant foods play a role in protecting the body against dis-
eases that affect — and kill — at least 500,000 Americans each year.