Dear Ervinka,
As you might have suspected, not all nutritionists agree with "Fit for
Life". The "Fit for Life" theory stems from another theory of food
combination, by a natural ("hygienic") health expert, Herbert Shelton.
The Diamonds were Shelton's students. None of the Diamonds have a
degree in nutrition or health sciences from an accredited university
(they both hold degrees from American College of Health Science, which
is described as "an unaccredited correspondence school in Austin,
Texas, which teaches a naturopathic philosophy called ``Natural
Hygiene''", [1]). Kenny also calls this diet "irresponsible". He also
claims that the ideas are cult-like. Swenerton calls the food
combinations theories "archaic, turn-of-the-century notions [that
are...] totally invalid" [3].
Specifically to answer your question, Kenny writes "The book's food
plan calls for eating only fruit in the morning and mostly vegetables
during the rest of the day. This could lead some people to make a
desirable increase in their intake of vegetables. But according to an
analysis by Katherine Mulgrave, a nutrition professor at the
University of Maine, the Fit for Life diet is low in calcium, zinc,
iron, and vitamins B12 and D" (Ibid. [1]). Brown also criticises the
same method, and writes, "This diet is deficient in protein; calcium;
and some B-vitamins, notably riboflavin and thiamine; and could lead
to iron deficiency anaemia. If followed rigorously, it could lead to
serious health problems" [2].
Kenny adds, that "Actually, all sugars, whether refined or present in
fruit, are almost entirely absorbed in the small intestine. But
Diamond declares that ``fruit should never be eaten with or
immediately following anything''-a rule he calls ``unquestionably the
most important aspect of Fit for Life.'' Actually, fruits contain
pectin, which is fermented. If the Diamonds' theory that fermentation
products cause obesity were correct, eating fruit would increase
obesity rather than cure it!" (Ibid [1])
The diet is specifically problematic because of the low calcium
levels, required to lose weight - "Contrary to the authors' claim,
fresh fruits are a very poor source of calcium, and only some
vegetables contain significant amounts of calcium". [2]
There are more rebuts and invalidations of the theory in Kenny's book
review.
To sum up, nutritionists agree that this diet is not practical, not
very healthy, and could even cause health problems. It contains many
errors and half-truths (or half than that). It is not recommended to
women in fertility age, adolescents and children.
Sources:
[1] James J. Kenny, PH.D., R.D. _Nutrition Forum_, Vol. 3 Number 8
August 1986, see http://www.hcrc.org/special/bookrevs/fit4lif.html
[2] J. Lynne Brown, Ph.D., R.D. _Journal of Nutrition Education_, Vol
18(6) 1986 see http://www.hcrc.org/special/bookrevs/fit4lif.html
[3] Helene Swenerton _Nutrition Perspectives_ from the University of
California., see http://www.hcrc.org/special/bookrevs/fit4lif.html
My search terms:
"fit for life" dispute
"fit for life" criticism
"fit for life" critique
I think that answered your question. However, if you need
clarifications, feel free to contact me before you rate the answer.
Bon appetite, :-)
Politicalguru-ga |
