The Pritikin Diet Program
Why Do People Follow This Diet?
Many individuals follow this diet to help prevent the onset or progression of various medical conditions, most notably heart disease. Although not principally a weight loss diet, many people follow the Pritikin Diet Program to shed unwanted pounds.
What Do the Advocates Say?
Proponents of the Pritikin Diet point to the large body of scientific literature that demonstrates the benefits of a low-fat, high-fiber diet in the prevention of many degenerative diseases, including cancer and heart disease. In addition, numerous clinical studies conducted at the Pritikin Longevity Centers have shown that the Pritikin Diet, combined with a structured exercise program, produces weight loss, and lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
What Do the Critics Say?
Some nutrition professionals argue that the Pritikin Diet is too low in fat. Because dietary fat is so severely restricted, Pritikin dieters may not be able to consume a sufficient amount of the healthy fats, especially the omega-3 fats. In addition, absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) may be impaired with such low intakes of dietary fat.