China Study, plant-based diet
Last Updated Sep 2007
Q: Hello, Dr. Sears,
We have been using a 10-point system or five years, which includes the Zone and teaching others to use it as well. Our text is "A Week in the Zone." We would like to know if you could tell us how the information from the China Study fits in or if it is entirely credible.
Thank you, Ruth W.
A: Dear Ruth,
What is neglected in the China Study is that cardiovascular events for both rural and urban Chinese are actually higher than for Americans. On the other hand, the Japanese have the lowest levels of cardiovascular events. The difference is the amount of fish oil consumed. The Zone Diet is based on the balance of protein, carbohydrate, and fat that our ancestors were exposed to 10,000-15,000 years ago.