If I could recommend one book that's regarding health and lifestyle, this book would be it. The China Study is "The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted And the Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss, And Long-term Health" by T. Colin Campbell. Needless to say, it changed my life. It covers a wide range of his own, as well as citing others', studies dating back from the 1960's. It talks about the effects on the human body after consuming animal protein, casein, processed foods, high animal-fat foods, supplements, sugar, etc. A difficult read in some aspects, because there is a lot of technical information that might not hold attention for long periods of time, but incredibly interesting nonetheless.
In the most major study covered, The China Study, they survey almost the entire country of China to analyze different diets in different regions and its correlation to cancer and "affluent" diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, etc. The most startling thing was, when experimenting on small animals (it was either mice or rats, I don't want to get it mistaken), one group was fed 20% animal protein diet, the other, fed less than 10%. Both groups were exposed to carcinogens. The group that was fed 20% animal protein, grew tumors and died within two years, whereas, the less than 10% animal protein diet group were still alive, twice as energetic as the previously mentioned group, and their coats were still healthy. Basically, they were thriving.
People are so attached to what they eat and it seems to be a very touchy topic of conversation. The writers don't directly advocate a whole foods, plant-based diet, the studies do. Previous to the work done in this book, the main writer, T. Colin Campbell, ate a lot of meat, drank milk, etc. Personally, after seeing all of the information that he's compiled in this book, it's hard to see food the same way again.
Another fact that stood out: increased milk consumption was linked to increased osteoperosis. I couldn't believe what I was reading. The animal protein in milk is acidic and in order for your body to balance thr acidity levels, it takes calcium from the bones. Those who drink milk have higher levels of calcium that is released through bodily wastes. He talks about how the dairy and meat lobbying industries hire their own scientists to manipulate studies in their favor (i.e. Milk has calcium, calcium helps keep bones strong, drink milk to keep bones strong, right? Wrong).
It made me think a lot about we live. There is such a strong disregard for the long-term welfare of our bodies and our environment. How many people recycle as much as they can from what they use? How many meals do we eat that contain meat? Cheese? What about processed foods? Refined wheat? Refined sugar? Do we even care?
Every single one of our cells replace themselves many times over the course of our lifetime. We literally are what we eat. It's no wonder we don't feel good. That a staggering number of people are sick and the numbers are continually rising. If we eat like crap, we're going to look like it. Life is a precious thing to waste having to possibly spend the last half in a hospital or in chronic pain. Especially, when we have the opportunity to choose healthful food that our body will love! All it takes is a little effort. Perhaps going to a local grocery store and making your own meals could be an option. Plus, you'll save money, get some creative food ideas going, manage your weight naturally and feel great, which are all wonderful things that you can do for yourself!
