Dr T. Colin Campbell, author of the book, The China Study – The most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted, was the project director of the first important research between China and the US. The findings of this research form the main source of information for the book.
The book examines the differences between Chinese and Western culture eating habits as well as the prevalence of certain diseases such as Cancer and the rate of obesity and overweight people in both societies.
In essence, the book is a clear call to abandon food that is based on animal products. This helps people lose weight and become healthy. Plant based food, the book emphasizes, is best suited for good health.
The China Study: And Overview
This book contains the findings from a huge nutrition research project. The project analyzed the relationship between diet pattern of about 100 Chinese villages and its impact on heart problems, diabetes, immunity problems, neuro degenerative disease and so on.
The principle of the book is simple. Eat unrefined plant foods and cut out everything else. If this is practiced religiously, followers will lose weight automatically sans any calorie counting exercise.
According to Dr Campbell, this diet is not just about losing weight. It also facilitates the prevention and reversal of major diet related diseases and conditions. A natural bonus is that the diet leaves you looking good and feeling great.
The book is divided into three sections. The first section describes the actual research processes, the comparison and the data. This part is packed with interesting information. For instance, the Dr. says that even though the Chinese eat 30% more calories than the average American, they weigh 20% less!
The second section of the book explores the connection between food and diseases.
The last section of the book details the ties between food industries and drug companies and the part played by our education system in manipulating our mind to accept the wrong types of food.
The China Study: a review
The most impressive thing about the book is the incredible amount of information it covers. The author is really passionate about the food habits that have inspired the book and his passion shines through. Also, the very fact that The China Study offers the views of one of the leading experts in the field of nutrition makes it worth a read.
More than 80% of Americans are omnivores. In this book, Dr Campbell is not suggesting a vegetarian diet, which in itself is difficult for the average American, but a strict vegan diet. Not many people can actually adapt to the rigors of a vegan diet. In that sense, the book has limited impact.
Pros & Cons of the China Study
Pros:
- Data driven
- Supported by scientific evidence
- Easy to understand
- Inspires a change in lifestyle
- Excellent writing
- No calorie counting
Cons:
- Highly academic and therefore of limited interest to the average reader
- No diet plans or menus
- A vegan diet may not be acceptable to all
- Too many messages
- Does not provide a clear direction for weight loss
Conclusion
The China Study is not a weight loss book per se. It is a book that advocates a healthier, plant based lifestyle. The argument is that when you eat vegan food, you can eat as much as you want and still lose weight. Impressive, but not very doable!
