The phrase “You are what you eat” has many precursors. It was first attributed, word-by-word, to English nutritionist Victor Lindlahr. The quote was part of a longer statement in 1923, namely "Ninety per cent of the diseases known to man are caused by cheap foodstuffs. You are what you eat." Lindlahr was promoting a weight-loss diet based on “catabolic foods.” His view was prescient.<br/><br/>Chemists know what the structures of food and their macronutrients look like. They are the carbohydrates, proteins and fats we find in supermarkets and kitchen pantries. Foods and the molecules they contain represent an easy avenue to relate to the general public. We now have access to abundant data, including food labels with chemical names. At the same time, the United States and large parts of the world suffer from the consequences of food excess despite abundant health advisories. This presentation will focus on the confusing messages of dietary recommendations, especially those advocated over the last 60 years. Should we eat eggs? Or should we avoid eggs because of cholesterol? It appears that science still does not have the answer. However, the science is very clear now. Unfortunately, the confusion has contributed to a perfect storm that has grown into a "diobesety" (diabetes+obesity) crisis. This presentation will outline how chemistry and its reputation are affected.

Guilt by association: Dietary recommendations and missed opportunities

253rd National Meeting (2017)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.