Several authorities have estimated that as much as 80% of disease and disability, after the age of 40, is lifestyle related. "It is clear that the nutrients in fruits and vegetables, particularly the antioxidant micronutrients, are associated with real and substantial disease protection. It is clear that in the U.S. at least, the population's intake of these foods is remote from the recommended levels" Gladys Block, NCI. According to the National Center for Health Science, 90% of Americans are not meeting the RDA in one nutrient or more. According to the Nutrition Science Institute, a consortium of the American Association of Family Physicians, American Dietetic Association and National Council on Aging, Inc., "Americans consistently failed to consume even the minimum recommended servings of fruits and vegetables". According to Maurice Tusbiana, 75 to 80% of cancers are caused by lifestyle, in particular tobacco, alcohol and diet, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 1/91. Dr. Mark Hegstead, PhD, of Harvard University states, "Diet is indicated as a cause of coronary artery disease and many forms of cancer." As much as 40% of cancers in men and 60% in women are attributable to diet, according to a report in the Journal National Cancer Institute 58:825-832.

From all of the above statements, it seems clear that diet plays a key role in health. It also seems clear that the commonly consumed American diet is not the ideal diet. But, with the exception of eating more fruits and vegetables, what should we eat?