Dear John, What do you have to say about the health effects of chocolate? Does it cause acne? Is it horrible for you? Do I have to eat carob instead of chocolate? Do you eat chocolate? If so, what kind? Affectionately, Marie Dear Marie, The problem with chocolate isn’t the chocolate. It’s the fat and […]

Dear John, I have been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and have for many years eaten soy foods. I’ve been told that soy consumption increases the risk of thyroid cancer. Is this true? Could soy foods have caused my cancer? If not, what might have caused it? Am I going to die? Thanks for your help, […]

Dear John, For years our milkman (Alta Dena Dairy) has been delivering “milk from cows not treated with rBST.” You mention rBGH in your book. What is the difference between these two? Thanks for a great book. Lucy Dear Lucy, Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin (rBST) is another name for recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH). By whatever […]

Dear John, In The Food Revolution, you are critical of the Atkins, Zone, and other high-protein diets, saying that they increase heart disease risk. Has the American Heart Association had anything to say about these diets? Fred Dear Fred, Yes, they have, and it’s not what Atkins, Sears, and the other authors of these diets […]

Dear John, Supporters of low-carbohydrate diets say that carbs raise blood sugar and insulin levels, causing our bodies to store more fat. They say we should stay away from grains and starches, and instead eat animal protein and fat, which they say keep blood sugar levels low. I have read your section on these diets […]