Q: I just got your “Toxic Fat” book (and have three other of your previous books), and as I read about the problems with grains and carbs and hormonal effects (and ATP production), I got to wondering about people in the world who are long lived. Japan, India and China have some long lifespans and good health on a heavy rice diet. My research also seems to indicate that parts of central Asia are healthy on rye/barley and other grains with little fish available. Am I missing something or is the available Internet research on these people and their seeming good health just plain wrong?
A: The Japanese are the largest fish-eating population in the world. The amount of rice consumed by the Japanese is far less than that consumed in other parts of Asia. In addition, the lifespan of the Chinese and Indians is far lower than the Japanese. In fact, the two countries with the largest number of diabetics are India followed by China.