Research has confirmed that a diet composed primarily of plant foods is essential to good health. The USDA and National Institutes of Health recently stated that more than 10 servings of a variety of fruits and vegetables are necessary for optimal health, twice the amount they had previously recommended! A review by the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research concluded in 1997 that "diets containing substantial and varied amounts of fruits and vegetables could prevent 20 percent or more of all cases of cancer." Americans eat an average of less than 2 servings of fruits and vegetables a day with very little variety.

Essential vitamins and minerals have dramatically declined in some of our most popular foods: bananas, tomatoes, apples and potatoes for example. Americans largely choose iceberg lettuce and some form of potato as their vegetable servings. Dr. Howard doesn't even allow these items to be counted in his patient evaluation. The average spud has lost 100% of its vitamin A - important for good eyesight; 57% of its vitamin C and iron - a key component of healthy blood; 28% of its calcium - essential for building healthy bones and teeth. Research shows that 50% of the riboflavin and 18% of the thiamine have been lost as well. Of the seven nutrients measured, only niacin levels have increased. Iceberg lettuce has become the customary choice of Americans today; however, any dark green lettuce (romaine, red, butter head, loose-leaf, the list goes on) are much more nutritious. With French fries, baked potatoes and iceberg salads so readily at hand, America's general health is spiraling downward. Plant foods provide an abundance of valuable nutrients in "natural, ready-to-eat" packaging. Most produce offers a rich source of fiber to satisfy hunger. Many disease-fighting antioxidants and health-protecting phytochemicals such as lutein, vitamin C and Lycopene occur naturally in fruits and vegetables.