The pro-veg Cancer Project (a PCRM offshoot group) recently began airing this commercial in some major cities, generating some controversy, much of it ridiculous. 64 percent of people in an AOL poll says the ad goes “too far.” You can read the AOL article here, and see the ad for yourself below:

A report in the Journal of the American Medical Association concluded that nuts, corn, and popcorn, which some have suggested might exacerbate diverticular disease, are not associated with diverticulitis or diverticular complications. Researchers at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle analyzed the dietary intake among 47,228 men over 18 years and found that nuts and popcorn were actually protective against diverticulitis. Authors concluded that recommendations to avoid these high-fiber, healthful foods should be reconsidered.

Strate LL, Liu YL, Syngal S et al. Nut, corn, and popcorn consumption and the incidence of diverticular disease. JAMA. 2008;300(8):907-914.

McDougall says it’s time to stop scapegoating standalone salt: “The overpowering taste of salt tricks us into eating foods that innately repulse human beings.This flavoring will disguise the repugnant tastes of animal flesh and cow’s milk secretions, which are the real sources of body damage. Eighty percent of the salt consumed by people following the Western diet is irreversibly intermingled with our processed foods.”

McDougall shares more recipes from Celebrity Chef Weekend, including Gazpacho Verde, Smoky Refried Bean Soup, Skillet Gardener’s Pie, White Miso Soup, and Chai-Spiced Oat Crepes with Grilled Mangos or Nectarines and Citrus-Almond “Ricotta” Filling.

Congratulations to the latest Star McDougaler Donna Byrnes: “The hardest part of changing my diet was being different. So much of life is centered around food. While I am the only one I know that eats this type of diet (aside from the people I have met on the McDougall Costa Rica adventures and on the McDougall discussion board), I was fortunate to have the support of my family and friends.”