Money for food

Press, 8 December 1988, Page 12

Money for food

Sir, —It is depressing to read (December 2) that research shows people in poorer areas have higher rates of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and other illnesses. However, Mr Roger Marshall, of the Auckland Medical School, paints an unnecessarily gloomy picture. Not only is his statement that these people “can’t buy the best quality food that would prevent illness” untrue, it compounds the sense of powerlessness among low-income earners. Ironically, it is the so-called peasant diet — high in complex carbohydrates, low in animal protein and fat — that best promotes health. Expensive foods like meats, butter and anything processed actually contribute to these diseases. Cheap unprocessed foods like oats, lentils, cabbage or garlic positively protect against them. Eating food raw saves money and further boosts immunity. However complex the other contributors to disease may be, it is in the power of anyone, whatever their income, to eat healthily. — Yours, etc.,

TESSA COPLAND. December 2, 1988.