RE: evolution and diet

From: gts (gts_2000@yahoo.com)
Date: Mon May 05 2003 - 17:09:17 MDT

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    Harvey Newstrom wrote:

    > gts wrote,
    >> If you want to see circular logic, Harvey, then look to
    >> those who rely only on nutrition science to explain the facts.
    >
    > You are obviously talking to the wrong kind of nutritional
    > scientists. I have never heard of any "scientists" who uses
    > the circular logic you describe. You are correct in your
    > refutation of that pseudo-science.

    Actually I was not referring to any pseudo-science in the nutrition field. I
    was referring to the best of nutrition science, and I would not label them
    "pseudo-scientists." There is a need for an understanding of the mechanisms
    by which substances we've identified as "nutrients" are used by the body to
    promote good health. Nutrition science has its place in the world.

    My point is that nutrition science, even at its best, cannot answer the
    larger questions without relying on evolution science. And there they will
    find the paleodiet theorists, ready and waiting with an answer and a diet to
    match.

    Nutrition science is not teaching humanity anything new; it is merely
    discovering what millions of years of evolution has already given us: a
    natural adaptation to the substances found in paleolithic foods. The ongoing
    discoveries of beneficial substances in fruits and vegetables are perfect
    examples.

    > I see no contradiction between [evolution] and "nutritional science" as
    you seem to.

    Well, now I'm confused, because I see in your arguments an unwillingness to
    accept the idea that paleolithic foods are better suited to our diet than
    modern non-paleo foods. For example it seems you want to recommend a diet
    containing significant amounts of legumes, but this view is contrary to the
    diet upon which we evolved. If you have any scientific basis for your
    opinion in favor of legumes then your arguments must come from nutrition
    science rather than from evolution science, because in this case the latter
    contradicts the former.

    -gts

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