The China Study: The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted And the Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss, And Long-term Health

Science meets medicine head on (2010-07-30) : 5/5
Dr. Campbell is an astounding researcher with an astounding publication in The China Study. Don't let the title fool you - China has little to do with the story, but is the story behind Dr. Campbell's conclusions. The Western Diet of Affluence, as he calls it, is killing people. In fact, anyone who moves from an Eastern culture into a Western culture risks disease seldom heard of in his own country. It is this evidence that draws the reader into a certainty that what the book offers is true.

The China Study is NOT a recipe book for Asian foods or a guilt-inducing diatribe against meat. It is a readable book that has the power to educate and empower the reader to seek and control his own health using reason and research of the highest caliber, not advertisements and soft-money from drug and food companies. In fact, the eating recommendations are downright simple, tasty and satisfying. You'll start seeing advertising for foods and drugs for what they are - impersonal influences on your most personal possession - your health and happiness.

If you have an aversion to anything vegetarian, you should read this book, because it is likely that you are killing yourself in ignorance, and Dr. Campbell might persuade you to change what you eat so you can live without the Diseases of Affluence we in the West see and foolishly accept. If anything does not make sense in this book, Dr. Campbell recognizes it and addresses each topic in terms easily understood. Of particular interest are Dr. Campbell's descriptions and experiences in the "modern academic and medical worlds" which are thoroughly vested in using drugs and surgery to deal with symptoms while totally ignoring why the disease does not go away when treated. We are trained to listen to the doctor, but he has little to no training in health, just in disease. Please, read this book and pass it on.
Misleading (2010-07-30) : 1/5
A misleading book based on only observational studies. If you don't understand how to look at research, it's easy to be fooled.
Too logical to ignore (2010-07-29) : 5/5
Dr. Campbell has done a magnificent job documenting his findings. It's irrefutable--animal products in the diet are risky for your health; you can eat just as well with a predominantly vegetable diet. Whole foods versus supplements? No contest--whole foods win. This book forwards a recommendation for a non-obsessive change to a whole approach to nutrition. The benefits: reduced/no heart disease, diabetes, MS, cancer, macular degeneration, osteoporosis. Hey what else is there!

Have I followed the recommendations? Yes, and it was easy. I've become a "flexitarian" (I still eat a little meat occasionally). I'm an old man (68), and I really want to stay healthy; since I already love whole vegetables, fruit, and grains, why not go for it!

Unfortunately, none of my friends or family were as excited about this as I. I can't live for them! If the book looks daunting, just read the first section on cancer, just that section. If you don't get pulled in, then best wishes.

Campbell only becomes preachy at the very end of the book. But hey! I can take it; the first part overwhelmingly makes up for it. I'll get back with you in ten years and let you know how I've been doing. For some dimension, see also "The Omnivore's Dilemma," and "Food Rules," both by Michael Pollan. Great books. Related info, but not the same.

I also realized that there is something about this in the Bible. See Daniel: the story of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego, as they opt for vegetables rather than rich delicacies in the King's court.

A must-read (2010-07-27) : 5/5
This book is very easy to read and full of valuable health and diet information. This book is not for someone looking for a quick-fad diet to lose a couple pounds, but for someone who is looking for over all life-long health. I urge everyone to read it.
the China Study (2010-07-27) : 5/5
Very informative and gives a good argument for eating a plant based diet.Reenforces the importance of nutrition in treating and preventing diseasees and healthy"aging".