The China Study argues that a diet high in animal foods, fats, and refined carbohydrates is the root cause of many health problems, particularly cancer and coronary heart disease. The book recommends a low-protein, very-low-fat, very-high-carbohydrate diet based entirely on unrefined plant foods. However, the review finds that the scientific claims are not consistently well-supported, particularly the claim that animal foods are a major cause of cancer.
The China Study by T. Colin Campbell and Thomas Campbell II contends that many health issues, such as cancer and coronary heart disease, stem from a diet rich in animal foods, fats, and refined carbohydrates. The book advocates for a whole food, plant-based diet that is low in protein, very low in fat, and very high in carbohydrates, consisting of fruits, vegetables, tubers, beans, whole grains, and limited nuts, but no meat, dairy, eggs, added fats or sugars, or processed foods. The diet aims to promote overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. The review, however, finds that the book's scientific claims are not consistently accurate. While there is some evidence supporting the claim that a whole food, plant-based diet reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, the claim that animal foods are a major cause of cancer is not well-supported. The review also notes that the large observational study in China, which the book is named after, does not support the book's central claims. Additionally, the diet may increase the risk of nutrient deficiencies unless carefully composed.
Quick quotes
The claim that a whole food plant-based diet reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease is fairly well supported.
The claim that animal foods play a key role in cardiovascular disease and cancer is not very well supported.
The diet may also increase the risk of nutrient deficiencies unless carefully composed.