Diet influences health

A low-carb diet can cure diabetes and lower cholesterol. Dr. Susan Hall knows this because of her personal and her family's experiences. She spoke about healthy eating at a Kiwanis meeting, citing statistics from Robert Lustig's book, Fat Chance.

In the last 35 years Americans have increased their caloric intake by more than 335 calories a day. They have increased their intake of sugar and decreased their intake of vegetables, fruit and fiber. This has resulted in higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Dr. Hall was quick to say that all calories are not the same. She said carbohydrates, starch and sugar are the ones that lead to weight gain and health issues. The same amount of calories found in foods such as avocados, eggs, and nuts have a different effect on the body.

Hall recommends a low-carb diet after seeing her sister lose a large amount of weight and cure her diabetes with this change in eating. She, herself, lost weight and lowered her cholesterol to an acceptable level by following the same diet.

A healthy diet, according to what Hall recommends, consists of eggs, salads, yogurt, cottage cheese, vegetables, nuts, chicken and fish. She encourages people to avoid processed foods and those with high sugar content.

Kiwanis meets each Wednesday at noon at the Police Department's Community Room. The goal of Kiwanis is to improve the lives of children and young people. Guests and prospective members are welcome. Call (661) 822-5379 for more information.