It is one of those annoying truths that every few weeks sees the latest headline grabbing doctor telling us how to be healthy. On many occasions, this contradicts the previous survey. Normally, this causes just a mild annoyance to me. The latest advice is swiftly forgotten as more important issues grab my ever diminishing attention span.
However, this particular research entered the world of historic comparison. Even worse, the research was sponsored by chemist chain Lloydspharmacy. So, in my opinion, Dr Roger Henderson could hardly be considered objective in his studies. Neither could his research be considered academic, in even the loosest sense of the meaning.
In summary, the reseach compared diets in Roman, Medieval, and modern Britain and found that "... the average British diet is now higher in fat, lower in fruit and vegetables and higher in refined sugar". Wow!!! Some research that.
Even more stunning was the conclusion that the modern diet has "... contributed to the rise in obesity-related disease and cholesterol."
His recommendation: avoid excess and exercise on a daily basis. Now, that's probably pretty good advice. However, the average life in medieval times was no more than half of what it is now. He seems to forget that the pox and plague was rampant in Britain, right into relatively modern times. The Great Fire of London was seen as a Godsend, as it cleared the disease ridden streets of plague carrying rats and allowed innovations such as an integral sewer system to be included in the rebuilt capital.
So what was the point of the survey? For me, I'd rather have an extra glass of wine ths Christmas and be pleased that I don't need to worry about the pox or plague running rampant through modern Britain.
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3 comments:
you are certainly on target with this observation!
>On many occasions, this contradicts the previous survey.
Mark
This is good. The ancients ate what we would call organic today. The commoners ate less meat and more veggies and whole wheat bread.
As to life expectancy, many died very early due to disease, plague etc. The ones who had natural immunity lived into their 70's or 80's
I thought I might strike a chord with this one.
Other than Carl's observation on contradictions, the healthier diets were also accompanied by the liberal consumption of weak alcohol.
Several years ago, I remember hearing about the rise of coronary heart disease in France as the habit of drinking several glasses of red table wine, with the heavy rustic dishes, has died out.
Whilst the arguments over the benefits of consuming alcohol continues to rage, it is probably sensible to suggest, with all consumption, that moderation is the way to go. Not exclusion of the latest 'toxin' that each piece of useless research likes to victimise.
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