Hi Philip

I am beginning to wonder about too much fats in our diets. First, from reading about the non-protective associations involving fats and cancer and after just reading about how Nathan Pritikin's arteries were found to be absolutely clean like a teenager's:

http://www.pritikin.com/eperspective/specialissues/pritikinatkins/index.htm
In 1985, Pritikin died from complications related to a 35-year struggle with leukemia. The results of his autopsy were published in the New England Journal of Medicine, and showed that Nathan Pritikin's arteries were free of any signs of heart disease, and were as "soft and pliable" as a teenager's.  "In a man 69 years old," wrote pathologist Jeffrey Hubbard, "the near absence of atherosclerosis and the complete absence of its effects are remarkable." 

I just wonder whether our diets should change as we grow older to include way more vegetables and far less meats/fats? Or at least the right type's of fats? Maybe more monosaturated or those with high levels of omega 3s?

Should we not base the creation of an optimum diet for humans on clues derived from our physiology and from comparative studies of similar physiques of other animals and not necessarily from our hunting abilities? Does meat-eating increase life-span or brain-size? 

Marilyn


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Philip" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2007 11:01 AM
Subject: Saturated Fat


Up until now I've tried to avoid discussing saturated fatty acids (SFAs)
much because the issue tends to spark some rather heated debate, whereas I'm
more interested in sharing information and learning. However, I'm ready to
try to delve into the topic in a way that I hope will facilitate calm,
reasoned discussion.