The United States of American can be proud of the way it has been controlling the healthy conditions of the distribution of various foods, all over the nation!  For a country that has a population of 290 million, it  is  a gigantic task  to keep  the flow  the food in the best, almost perfect hygienic conditions.  Congratulations to the responsible federal and state agencies and individuals. 

The United States, among 205 independent nations in the world,  is the only nation that does not have a national health service for all its citizens. It has already some type of national health service for the citizens above 65 years old  which is called Medicare. 

And it has a very exclusive national service for the federal employees, such as members of the congress. This medical coverage certainly is discriminatory to the rest of our fellow  Americans. It is a shameful  and a dramatic situation that 42 millions of American have no medical coverage whatsoever. 

Democracy dictates that every citizen should have the same rights and  duties, including  the protection of  “life (health), liberty and pursuit of happiness”, like it is written so wisely in  the Declaration of the Independence, by Thomas Jefferson. 

The United States has also very important healthy organizations such as National Institute of Health, the Surgeons General, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and we should include in this group even though they are private organizations, the American Medical Association, the National Cardiology Association, the National Diabetic association, etc. These are institutions that are very concerned with the health of the American people and because of this responsibility,   every so often,  they   make specific recommendations for the Americans to follow,  in order to  prevent certain diseases,  and also to maintain excellent health and therefore live and have a long and happy life.

From these groups we have had recommendations concerning the control of the  cholesterol, the blood sugar, the drinking of alcoholic beverages, the drugs,  the  smoking, the control of speed limits ways, etc. 

And the media, radio, TV and the press,  have had many, many articles concerning each topic informing  the general public. The members of the media also add a bit of emotion to these news items to increase their ratings, because it concerns  the health and life of the individuals.

Click on each pyramid for a larger view

One of the most controversial recommendation in the last 30 years  has been the American Diet Pyramid advised  to the American people and defended stoically  by the American Agriculture Department, the American Medical Association, the Diabetic Association, and the American Cardiac Association, and of course the lobbyists for the various food industries.

The  American Agricultural Department alone has spent more than ONE HUNDRED MILLION  dollars studying and appreciating the healthy effects, positive or negative,  of the so called American Diet Pyramid. The results up to now  have been disastrous. 

Following the American Diet Pyramid the 
Americans have only  one destiny-- become big,  fat pigs!

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In the past two decades the obesity and diabetes, and other related chronic diseases, have increased in an alarming rate, to the point that they constitute now a national American epidemic and tragedy! 

But the so called experts, do not want to admit that they are wrong  and do not have the guts  to inform the American people otherwise! They continue to brainwash the American people with terrible advice!

It is really a pity that these so called experts, “geniuses”, REFUSE to use  the simple  MEDICAL COMMON SENSE!  

Human beings are also mammals

We human beings are mammals because  after birth we suppose the be fed by sucking from our mother’s  mammary glands.  But hogs, cows and bulls are also mammals! 

We all know that pork meat, and  beef  are being sold by the pound. The more weight an animal is able to give the better for  profit.  So what the entrepreneurs  do? They feed the hogs and the cows plenty of cereals so they can get fat fast, and heavy. 

If these mammals get fat by having a diet which is predominant made of cereals, how do we expect the humans to react  if the same type of diet is recommended officially to them? 

Do you have to be genius to figure this one out? Of course not. You just have to have a bit of medical  common  sense to realize that  American Pyramid Diet  is wrong for the human beings,  because we are  not  destined for  the slaughter house!  The same experience happens with raising chickens, industrially. You feed them plenty of cereals!!!  

It is amazing that with such an overwhelming evidence the responsible medical and health experts  cannot see the light!…  It is really tragically for the American people! 

American Diet Pyramid upside down

In conclusion the American Pyramid should be placed  upside-down. The bottom  of the pyramid, that recommends the largest portion of foods which consist of cereals and its derivatives should be transferred to the very top of the same pyramid.

The best diet IN THE WORLD is based on the foods that are anti-oxidants or anti-rust

We should use the pyramid with the predominance of Red, Greens and Yellow foods -- foods that are anti-oxidants --  and  should use the White foods  in the smallest portion, therefore, place the white foods on the very  top part of the pyramid.  

The best diet in the world is the one that depends on foods that are anti-oxidants or anti-rust.

We should use the pyramid with the predominance of Reds, Greens and Yellow foods and  should use the White foods  in the smallest portions, therefore, place the white foods on the top part of the pyramid.  

Recent scientific studies confirm that the foods that  have vivid colors,  such as  Reds, Greens and Yellows are very rich in phytonutrients, or antioxidants,  and therefore protect our cells from being damaged, preventing heart attacks, diabetes, strokes, etc. 

For the past thirty years I have been recommending to my patients to follow the Diet of the Portuguese Flag because the areas of the four colors on the Portuguese Flag are consistent with the proportions  of the foods that we should eat.  

       The Portuguese flag  waving the colors...

If we look at the Portuguese Flag we see that it has two large areas:  Green and Red, and also the yellow which is the color of the armillary sphere, symbol of the world because  the Portuguese navigator Fernão de Magalhães circumnavigated in 1519-22, demonstrating that the  earth was spherical. Please,  note the white color  has a very small  area in the center of the flag, telling  us that we should  eat small portions  of  the  white foods… 

A list of foods according to their color. 

Reds: All foods that have blood: meat and fish. These must be boiled or broiled, to get rid of the fats. We should eat portions  equal to the size of one palm, without the fingers…

Reds Fruits: Are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant against cancer. They are: Guava, pink grapefruit, tomatoes and watermelon.

Red/purple fruits: These foods  contain anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants which cut the risk of heart disease and strokes by inhibiting formation of clots.  They are: Blackberries, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, eggplants, plums, prunes, purple or red grapes, raspberries, red apples, red cabbage, red pears, red peppers, red wine, and strawberries.

Greens: These foods are rich in isothiocyanates, such as suforaphane, and indoles which stimulate the enzymes fighting cancer. They are: broccoli, or broccoli sprouts, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and Chinese cabbage.

Yellows: They are rich on beta carotene which boot the eyes and the skin and may decrease certain cancers. They are: acorn or winter squash, apricots, cantaloupe, carrots, mango, pumpkin, and sweet potato.

Yellow/Green: These foods are rich in zeaxanthins, which fight cataracts and macular degeneration. They are: avocado, collards, corn, cucumbers, green peas, green or yellow peppers, honeydew, kiwi; and turnips (green).

Yellow/orange: These foods are rich in beta cryptoxanthin, a potent antioxidant. They are: nectarines, oranges, papaya, peaches, pineapple, tangerines, yellow grapefruit

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When are the responsible American  authorities going to have the courage to advise this  colored pyramid diet - reds, greens and yellows -  to the  American  people?

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