February 10, 2011
(last updated May 9, 2014) 
I can’t thank you all enough for the generous and humorous responses to yesterday’s post on managing bad days. I’m especially grateful to my readers in the health care professions for assuring me that failure to finish physics lab won’t ultimately doom my career in medicine. That’s heartening, and sort of what I suspected. But I needed to hear it.
A few weeks ago, when I attended Brendan’s speaking event at the James Beard Foundation, I was gifted with a copy of THE CHINA STUDY as a party favor. I was happy to get it, of course, but also an unworthy recipient: I own the book already, and I, like many vegans, have read it more than once. It’s responsible for single-handedly making more vegan converts than almost any book I can think of—except, maybe, for ANIMAL LIBERATION.
What makes it different from ANIMAL LIBERATION, however—and other books about veganism—is that it appeals to readers on a purely scientific level: the book doesn’t set out to illustrate the cruelties of meat or dairy production (though sometimes I wish it did more of that), but rather to prove that animal foods are inherently deleterious to human health, at least when eaten more than occasionally. It doesn’t discourage animal foods primarily on the familiar grounds of cholesterol or fat—though the author, Colin Campbell, does analyze those things—but rather with the claim that casein, or animal protein, promotes tumor growth when eaten in excess. So, grass fed, skim, or organic, it doesn’t matter: eat enough animal protein, and you may be increasing your cancer risk.
Campbell came to these findings by studying more than 350 variables of health and nutrition with surveys from 6,500 adults in more than 2,500 counties across China and Taiwan (hence, THE CHINA STUDY). For that reason, the book’s claim to be “the most comprehensive study of nutrition ever conducted” isn’t without validity. It also illustrates how the so called “diseases of affluence”—heart disease, cancer, diabetes—are largely attributable to eating animal foods in excess, and studies how Eastern diets, which are lower in animal foods, don’t encourage those same conditions.
Campbell, a practicing doctor on faculty at Cornell when he did this study, risked his reputation and his university security to publish his findings; the sheer volume of his data and research is exhaustive. I appreciate this book because, unlike so many books on nutrition, it’s not packed with hazy generalizations. It’s chock full of charts and footnotes, and it’s not always a lark to read, but it’s very authoritative:
I can’t tell you how many people have told me that they began reading THE CHINA STUDY, and by the time they were finished, they’d committed to veganism for good. Interestingly, it seems to have a bigger impact on male readers than female—I’m still not sure why that is! Whatever the case, the book does what others don’t, which is to persuade skeptics that veganism is not only safe, but preferable to traditional, omnivorous diets. For that reason, I’m also a huge fan of THE CHINA STUDY, and I often recommend it to people who are interested in the health benefits of veganism.
It’s also worth coming clean and saying that I don’t always like how THE CHINA STUDY has been embraced by the vegan community. A lot of vegans treat the book like the holy grail, holding it up as incontrovertible proof not only that veganism is good, but that all omnivorous diets will kill you. The problem is, this is just one book, and using it as a gospel is mighty dangerous. Nutrition is a complex field, and no matter how responsible a researcher Campbell is, I don’t believe we should ever use one scientific study as proof of anything. We need a wealth of research to call something fact, or even likely. (To put this in the context of another example, the Framingham Nurse’s Study was once hailed as unilaterally authoritative, but now some researchers suggest that some of the correlations were overstated.) Big, important studies like these are enormous achievements, and they help us to become aware of things we didn’t know before (like the major link between casein and tumor growth) but we have to be careful when we begin to consider them proofs.
And that’s what many vegans do with this book: perhaps because they need to feel that their lifestyle choices are legit, or perhaps in order to persuade skeptical friends and family, they treat THE CHINA STUDY as gospel. That’s fine, but I simply don’t agree: I think the book is one of many highly persuasive and illuminating books about the benefits of plant-based diets, and the dangers of high-animal protein diets. Vegans are exposing themselves to a lot of valid rebuttal if they pin their arguments to one source, and indeed a lot of the methods Campbell used have been persuasively critiqued—mostly by anti-vegans and fanatical paleo eaters, who get no love from me, but also by reasonable doctors and nutritionists.
I believe that veganism is the only ethical choice in the world in which we live, and I wish that, to underscore my beliefs, I could also tell everyone that it’s the only healthy choice. I have a hard time understanding how anyone could ignore the suffering caused by the food they eat, and care only about a diet’s health benefits, or how likely it is to help you lose five pounds, or run a faster mile, or fit into a little black dress. But the sad fact is that a lot of people really only think about what they eat in terms of personal gain. Do I respect that? No. But if someone asks me if veganism is the only healthy lifestyle, I’ve got to be honest and say no: I believe that a vegan diet is one very reliable way to be healthy, but not the only way. A person can thrive so long as he or she eats animal food in strict moderation, avoids processed junk, and eats an abundance of plant foods.
But I understand why people get so excited about THE CHINA STUDY: it’s a big, exciting, and important book that lends so much credence to the very real benefits of veganism. I would just caution any vegan against pinning all of his or her reasoning to one single study. And the good news is that none of us have to: there are so many great reasons to be vegan, and so many books and movies and dialogues to prove it, that we needn’t get overly zealous about one of them.
With that said, everyone should read THE CHINA STUDY: if only to make up their own minds! So I’m giving away my extra copy of Colin Campbell’s famous opus. There are three ways to enter:
1) Leave a comment on this post telling me why you’d like to read THE CHINA STUDY.
2) Tweet the following: @choosingraw is giving away a free copy of THE CHINA STUDY. Click here to enter: https://bit.ly/gl8jnA
3) Mention the giveaway on your blog
Leave a comment on my blog for each of your entries! I’ll announce the winner on Friday, February 18th.
And now, for those of you who have read THE CHINA STUDY: what are your thoughts on it? Like? Dislike? Do you agree with me that some vegans tend to get a little…religious about it? Why do you think that is?
xo
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I’ve heard about this from a few people and have also heard some criticism from a few people about the failure to bring into the equation other environmental factors into the study. I have not read it yet but would be interested in reading what all the commotion is about.
Honestly, I can’t believe I don’t currently have a copy at college…which is in essence why I want to enter this 🙂 and so I can read it front to back instead of just reading parts!
I have heard so much about this book on so many websites, I have been meaning to read it for ages. I would like to read about the “science” behind vegan diets, and hopefully it will make it a little easier to reduce my dairy consumption further. Either way I would love a chance to read this book!
I haven’t read the China Study, and I am not a vegan, just a vegetarian. Currently, I still eat eggs and dairy, and I’m not actively working towards eliminating them. However, I would say my choices are based on a balance of ethical and health reasons, but I would like to learn more about the health benefits of veganism. For this reason, I would be very interested in reading the China Study so that I can be more informed and perhaps consider veganism in the future.
I am an MD/PhD candidate in my final year of training before embarking on a new journey as a resident in orthopedic surgery. I completed my PhD in cancer biology and dabbled in the role of nutrition in the development of cancer. During this course, I went from omnivore to vegetarian to vegan, finally settling in as a high raw vegan. I have felt the differences in my health firsthand and have even convinced my very skeptical in-laws to stop trying to force feed me chicken and start drinking green smoothies. You’d think that through all of this I would have read the China Study. No, I haven’t. Books cost money, and as students generally have precious little money, I have saved my pennies instead for quality organic produce and required textbooks.
As I continue along my career path to an orthopedic sports medicine doc, I plan to continue to focus on the athlete as a whole person. I would LOVE to be able to add the China Study to my bookshelf to help improve my own knowledge base and also to help improve my patient’s health and quality of life.
-Charlotte
i would love to read this to become more familiar with the data backing the benefits of veganism, especially regarding dairy consumption.
i’m very interested on reading this!! as a scientist, I would love to see the data Campbell collected 🙂
Hi Gena! I’ve been meaning to leave a comment for the past couple weeks to thank you for all the AMAZING recipes I’ve acquired from you and now I have the perfect reason to… this book is still one of many nutrition books on my list of ones I have yet to buy. I am not a vegan, or a vegetarian for that matter, but 90% of my diet is actually vegan, and mostly raw. So I get attacked a lot by both sides, but that’s fine, this diet works for me, at least for now 🙂 I started the Blood Type Diet half year ago and have felt absolutely fabulous since! I love your views on diet and I particularly like that you are so balanced and objective. I would really LOVE to hear your opinion on the Blood Type Diets someday if you have time. I am actually so inspired by them that I want to finally go and become an RD (I’ve always been obsessed with nutrition and health). Congrats to you on going back to school and chasing your dream! That is so inspiring! I’m very grateful to have found your blog as I have learned so much from you! Good luck to you with school and everything else as well! I look forward to the world having more doctors like you in the near future!!
Hey Tina!
Thanks for a truly lovely comment. I’m actually not persuaded by the Blood Type diet, but then, aside from a read of the book, I haven’t pondered it very much. It seemed like a lot of cherry picked statistics and weak correlations to me, and in general I’m not one to sit around pondering what cavemen ate. I’m not so much interested in what primeval ancestors were doing as I am in figuring out what’s scientifically doable now.
I love having you as a reader!
G
Thanks for replying, and so quickly! When I started this diet I was desperate to fix my psoriasis and it worked like magic within 1-2 weeks! I was so impressed. All my health issues are gone! I’m a Type A and supposedly should be almost vegan, but then again, maybe it was just eliminating a chunk of animal products that took care of my issues 😉 I’m still experimenting on myself, and I’m highly concerned with how to properly nourish my 1-year-old, who is also a Type A. The hubby is a Type O and he, along with all my other Type O friends, become insanely aggressive if they go a couple days without meat, lol! He really can’t understand why I never crave meat, and I for the life of me cannot understand how he can eat so much meat. My Type O friend who is trying to be vegan is really struggling healthwise. It’s really interesting so I’m thinking there is more to this diet, and I’m hoping to soon be able to investigate it for myself from a scientific perspective 🙂 And I’m completely with you on not really caring what people ate thousands of years ago, but maybe it’s helpful to have a little bit of historical knowledge to understand where we stand today. Oh boy do I have a lot of work ahead of me, but highly interesting work! Thanks again Gena! Hope you’re having a wonderful day 🙂
I would like to read The China Study because I am interested in the role diet plays in disease prevention. I am a proponent of a plant-based diet and hope to somehow study something in college that will allow me to broaden my knowledge and help others. I think The China Study would be a great start, especially with college applications coming soon!
Have a lovely day!
xox
I’ve been wanting to read this book for a while, and just haven’t seemed to get around to it. Recently, I’ve considered becoming vegan, and I think that this book would provide some thoughtful insight.
Over the past 4 years I have had several medical problems and have recently moved towards a very healthy vegan diet. I am learning that a better diet could make a difference in how I feel. I have to take medications and maybe my diet could change that. I would love to have this book to better my knowledge regarding diet and health. Thanks
I’m trying to convert my husband into veganism and animal rights only are not cutting it for him (!!!!). Need some great scientific health specifics to lay on him about plant based diet. That is why I would like to get this book.
Happy Weekend!
My Tweet:
http://twitter.com/#!/lilly_berry/status/36596265206677504
I would love to have my own copy of The China Study. I borrowed the book from a friend when I first went 100% veg, but would love to reread it now that I have significantly changed my eating habits. It would also be nice to have in my “lending library” for those times when people are interested in what I have learned but want to read it for themselves.
How generous of you to offer it to all of us! Thank you for being such an inspiration!
Also posted on my blog. (hoosierlady.tumblr.com)
I would love this book because my fiance and I have decided we are going to go vegan for the month of March. We want to compare it to how we currently feel and I would love to read some research about why we should continue maintain the lifestyle.
i have this book, and am in the process of reading it, i need more down time with this book now i think!
I’ve always known the vague facts of the China Study, but never read it because I saw it as being “cancer-focused” which wouldn’t necessarily help my immediate problem – Crohn’s disease. I’ve come to realise that my health matters both in terms of healing AND prevention, and, that I’ve been extremely narrow minded in my judgement, which is why I’d love to read this.
I’d like to read it because I am going to be studying Nutrtion Science (pre-med) in the fall!
I’ve heard a lot about this book, but never read it myself. Would love to read it – I like that it is scientifically-based, which sometimes appeals to a wider audience. I tweeted about this giveaway, too.
I have struggled with my weight and my eating all my life; from one extreme to another. I also have asthma and allergies, and while I have noticed that these conditions, as well as my weight, have been at their best when I ate little or no meat and lots of veggies, I always tried to do this by plain will power alone. I think I need to take the time to teach myself how to cook. And I can tell that a book like The China Study will help motivate me to get back on the bandwagon. I come from a family that is very much meat and potatoes, and it has been all too easy to fall back into that pattern, especially without a solid cooking foundation full of other choices behind me. But I am in healthcare myself, and seeing new studies helps me change old patterns of thought. I would love a copy of The China Study.
Posted on twitter!
I’m considering majoring in dietetics because I’d like to work in food/nutrition policy and I think that the foundation of knowledge a dietetics major provides is a good foundation of knowledge.
But as a vegetarian/quasi vegan, I have a few contentions with traditional dietetic practices, and reading well researched opinions from others with contentions too (like The China Study) would be very beneficial. If I don’t win this giveaway I’ll be buying my own copy for sure!
I have been wanting to read this book FOREVER. mostly because my mother is convinced i can’t be vegan and be healthy, and i want a book to give her with the data to back up how good i feel. as always, love your blog gena!
I don’t want a copy; I’ve got one. Just want to thank you for being so generous.
Hi Gena,
I would love to read The China Study! It has been on my must-read list for some time, but I haven’t yet been able to get my hands on a copy. I’ve been a vegetarian for 16 years and a vegan for the past 5. My top reason for my lifestyle is animal welfare, but over time I have learned more and more about nutrition and the health benefits of a vegan diet. I feel this book will help me to better understand the scientific basis of these arguments and explain to others why I eat the way I do.
I hope I win the book!!
Thanks,
Jill
I’m a vegetarian leaning vegan so I think this would be a great book for me to read.
I’ve been wanting to read The China Study for a long time. I want to read it because I am interested in health and nutrition, and being in the field, it is always good to read as much as possible on the subject. I also eat a primarily plant based diet and I know about many of the benefits of it, but I don’t know very much specifically about the connection between casein and tumour growth.
I would like to read the China Study to further educate myself on the consequences of animal protein consumption, no matter how small the amount. I am a vegetarian who would like to go vegan, but I haven’t read enought convincing resources to make my choice a solid one.
I want to read The China Study because I want more reasons to turn vegan!
i would love this book! i am a vegan chef yet never read it, gasp!
I’ve been trying to get around to reading the China Study for a while now, and actually looked at my local library recently. I was disappointed to find out they didn’t have it. So your giveaway comes at a perfect time! I would like it in order to read it myself, but also have my husband read it to further understand a little bit more why I’m eating the way I am lately in a medium that isn’t just my personal perspective, but a scientific one. Thanks, Gena!
Thank you for such an intelligent discussion of this book. I’m about half way through right now and am impressed by the amount of scientific data in the study.
I do get frustrated when he simply “claims” things without backing, or when he basis an argument off of a study with multiple variables. But overall I’d have to say I 100% agree with him and hope that more people will educate themselves on these topics!
Gena,
As a recent following of the Choosing Raw blog I’ve come to love all the content especially the recipes. I would love a copy of “The China Study” because I’d never thought of eating vegetarian, vegan or raw. All of the principles intrigue me and as I travel my path to better health, knowledge is power! Also, my fiance does her best to eat vegetarian so it would be lovely to be able to relate to her on a deeper level.
I need to read this book. Add it to the list of books Gena has given me that I liked!
I’m an omnivore but I only eat animal products when I can get them locally, organically and ethically produced, which means not very often!
I lost my mom to colon cancer a year ago, and since then I’ve been trying to learn more about the connection between food and disease. Would my mom have lived longer if her diet had been more plant-based? I’ll never know that, but I’d like to know how I can reduce my own risk (and those around me, of course!)
It’s really hard to find reliable information, and from experience I know that even the medical establishment gives very mixed messages about the links between diet and cancer. I’d love to read this book because it sounds like good medical research.
Hey Stephanie! Sorry to hear about your mom. Check out Dr. Peter J. D’Adamo’s Blood Type Diets. People think I’m crazy when I bring those up but I am a great believer in them. Everyone I know who has passed away suffered from and died from their blood type specific diseases, including my dad. It might not be of help to you, but it’s worth checking it out.
I would like to win a copy of The China Study because I have been dying to read the book for ages! Unfortunately, I am a poor college student, and am unable to spend money on leisure books. I have such a big passion for health food and raw food diet, that I MUST read this book!
I am taking a nutrition class that feels more like an anthropological study of what people in the 20th c thought about nutrition. The teacher was extolling the food pyramid when I brought up that milk can actually be very detrimental to one’s health. I said that most milk contains pus and feces and that only 32.1% of the calcium in milk is absorbed by our bodies. To that my teacher replied that I shouldn’t listen to the media and that it wasn’t an ethics class. Never mind that I never brought up how terribly the poor animals are treated because I thought I’d get that very response. I countered his every argument and when I asked him why adult humans should drink the milk made for a baby of another species, he tried to play it off as a joke.
I would love to receive a copy of “The China Study” so I can better equip myself with facts when it comes to dealing with close-minded people like that. Plus, in about a month we’ll be covering protein consumption in that nutrition class.
Also, if you’re interested in a book that covers the science (and a little of the ethics) behind the negative effects that dairy has on human beings, I recommend “Whitewash: The Disturbing Truth About Cow’s Milk and Your Health” by Joseph Keon. I just finished reading it and was greatly impressed by the number of studies the book referenced. It’s a great resource when it comes to dairy and calcium information.
Thanks so much for this chance!
I would love to win a copy of The China Study. I have heard so much about it, however when I have made my choice to buy a book I have always chosen a colorful cookbook over scientific studies. I choose to eat the way I do because I “know” it is better for me, however if someone asked me how I know, I wouldn’t be able to back it up. Thanks!
I would like a copy because I have been trying to get it through the local library for over 6 months and have not been able to get it. Everyone seems to want to read this book, I am just one in the masses. If I owned it, I could use it to back my arguments at family gatherings for why it is perfectly legitimate to be Vegan.
I love the book and think you wrote an excellent post. I think so much of illness stems from cumulative factors, some much more important than others. It all adds up.
I would like to read The China Study because, well, frankly I haven’t gotten around to reading any book specifically about veganism. I guess I would like to have that kick in the pants that would make me confront my eating habits and consume less and less animal products.
I tweeted! Thank you for the great giveaway.
I would like to read the book, as I am considering taking the Cornell University’s certificate in plant-based nutrition (mainly out of personal interest). The course is written by Colin Campbell and is based on the China Study. However, the point you raise about treating such a study as gospel has given me pause for thought.
(I would love to hear from readers who have taken the course).
Your post has certainly made me more aware of how tempting it can be to be drawn towards books/studies/public figures, that affirm one’s beliefs or way of life. hmmm
Thanks Gena!
I would love an opportunity to read this book as I have heard so many great things about it. And it’s nearly impossible to get from the library because it’s reserved by so many people (my name has been on the list for the last 6 months!). I’d love to have my own copy.
I’ve been wanting to pick this book up for a long time and I really want to read it before seeing Forks Over Knives. I know a plant based diet is the healthiest way for me to live, and I would love to be able to share the knowledge in the China Study to prove it to people. Especially in my classes since I’m studying to become a registered Dietitian. And once I am one I can’t wait to show people how awesome a plant based diet really is! 😀
I would really like to read this book and then pass it on to my parents and discuss with them the health benefits of a plant based diet. Both of my parents are in poor health and my dad who is only 50 years old has had 3 heart attacks due to poor diet (and lack of exercise). I hope that the information in this book would get the point across and they would choose a healthier (and more compassionate) diet!
Don’t enter me to win a copy as I have already read it…
As usual, I really love your sensible approach to things. Of course, The China Study is great and wonderful and I’m THRILLED it has been published and sheds the light on a plant based diet.. it’s a great piece of a larger puzzle!
And I just tweeted 🙂
I also just tweeted!
I would love to read The China Study – I’ve heard so, so much about it, I feel like it’s one of those books you just have to read, you know? Plus being vegan myself, it obviously appeals amassively. I’m fascinated by arguments for and against the vegan lifestyle, as when I talk to people about it, I want to be informed 🙂
I’ve heard of this study! After losing 132 pounds, I know the information in this book is invaluable! I’d LOVE to read it! Hubby first found information on this book a few months ago – now I just have to get my hands on it! 🙂
I have been wanting to read it and simply just haven’t yet. Love this giveaway!
I have really been wanting to read The China Study since I heard about it a couple of months ago. We are mostly meat-free at our house, but are curious to learn more. My sister lives with my hubby and me and I know that all three of us would benefit from reading The China Study! I’d love to win your giveaway!!
my boss told me about the china study over three years ago. i’m vegan and have cut soy out a lot because of how it was making me feel. (mainly, tofu.) i want to read the research on who has eaten it historically, how it has affected them, and why. please gimme the chance through your contest! thanks! 😀
Thank you for your insightful review! I am aware of the ethical arguments for veganism, but not the health-related arguments, especially from a scientific perspective. I very much want to read this book to become better informed.
As a practicing Tyrannosaurus Rex for the past 32 years, I found the news that my carnivorous diet might be harming my health! Thus, I would like to read it. Also, my wife would very much like a copy. Thank you!
Oh, I’ve been wanting to dive into this book for awhile now! And let my very scientific, non-vegan husband read it. I’d like to read it to better arm myself with data and facts about veganism and be more prepared for debates with non-vegan friends and family as well as reaffirm my decision to be a vegan. Thank you for this opportunity, Gena!
And it’s been tweeted. 🙂
Despite the many times I have been tempted to read The China Study by knowledgeable people like yourself, Mary and Cassie, I have to admit I still have not done so. I further confess to being one of those people who mostly care about a diet’s health benefits. I’m going to request the book for my upcoming birthday, or gift it to myself. Thank you for bring it to my attention, one more time, and that of all your readers. More than the one who receives it will surely benefit 🙂
I’d love to read this book! I’ve heard so much about it
Why do I want to read The China Study? Because I’m a math/science/knowledge nerd with a social conscience. I’ve heard so much about this book and I want to see the data for myself!
Hi Gena, Thanks for the contest. I’ve heard so much about this book I’d like to read a copy. Thanks too for providing your true opinion, even if it doesn’t make you Ms. Popular in the Vegan community. I’m so impressed by all your up to these days. I even saw an article by you in a recent magazine I picked up. I felt so cool knowing that I have been casually reading your blog for awhile.
I’ll confess — I’ve already read The China Study and loved it! I’m entering to win a copy for my step-dad — after a bout with heart trouble and prostate trouble all in the same year, he’s interested in eating healthy (although he still eats meat, he’s reduced his intake hugely). I’ve already photocopied the section on heart disease and sent it to him, but I’d love for him to read the whole thing! So if I win, can you send it to him? That would make me so happy!
I’d like to read the China Study because I’m incredibly interested in food, health, and how those two things relate to the rest of the world. I’ve heard amazing things about this book.
Great thoughts – However, as you pointed out “But the sad fact is that a lot of people really only think about what they eat in terms of personal gain. Do I respect that? No.” I’d like to say that personally, I also do not respect the theory of only eating for the animals sake. I see so many vegans willing to take a stand for the animals, but not their own health – And that, drives me mad! So I guess, It’s about finding a happy medium, understanding that veganism isn’t just about on or the other – but rather, the combination of the two. Just some thoughts…
I would like to win this to educate myself and to have as reference material.
Thanks for another great post Gena! I am not familiar with THE CHINA STUDY but I will definitely be heading to Powell’s next week to get myself a copy. Although I have cut out most animal products, I have yet to go vegan. Perhaps this book will help me take that final step!
Btw, I’ll be making your ‘superbowl chili’ tonight for my weekend in the snowy mountains with my man. Can’t wait!
I would like to read the China study because I think it is important to be informed about the food I choose to eat or not eat. It also would help me explain my choices to either in a more logical way.
I’d like to read this book because my brother is a doctor and these sort of debates come up frequently in our house.
I heard about the China Study in Eat to Live, but I didn’t realize it was widely available for reading. I guess I thought it was only available in medical libraries. Science, health, compassion–I believe they all come from the same source, so it makes sense that they would work together. Thanks for considering my entry!
This book has been on my “to read” list forever – would love to win it!
I would love to read this book and learn more about a choice I am heavily leaning towards. I think having the facts to back up a personal opinion would be very motivating.
I think its great that you are giving this book to someone who will appreciate it. I just received my copy from amazon a few days ago and just started reading it. What an eye opener!!! I think anyone interested in their health or nutrition should read it. As always a great post! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Peace ~Laura
I’d like to read the China Study to learn more about the effects of being vegan on the body – plus, I’ve heard so many great reviews!
I’ve always heard great things about this book. I would love to read The China Study!
I am constantly recommending this book to people while making the case for veganism and really, it’s about time I read it myself!
Thanks, Gena!
I would like to read this book because I like to make informed decisions about the way I choose to eat.
I’d really like to read the book to fully understand the science behind it. I do have my leanings toward vegetarianism, let alone veganism but nothing to push me there fully yet. I always hear conflicting statements without facts behind it so it would be good to read some facts.
I’d like to read it because although I eat meat, I do so thoughtfully and sparingly. I’m very interested in the facts behind the claims.
You won’t be surprised to learn that I was absolutely unconvinced by The China Study. I don’t recommend it to anyone. Truthfully, I think the health arguments for veganism are way weaker than the ethical and environmental arguments. If you’re going to argue on health grounds, you’re better off arguing for plants than against meat and dairy. Lots of compelling reasons to eat more fruits and vegetables, and if you get to 80% plants, cut the processed starches, cut the refined sugars, and you’re not overeating (or undereating), from a health standpoint, I don’t think it matters what the other 20% is.
Yes, we essentially agree, E. See also Laura’s criticisms of Campbell’s methods, above. It doesn’t win me friends in the vegan community, but I’ve simply never believed that the book is airtight.
Hi, Gena! Thank you for giving away a copy of this book. I only found your blog a few months ago and it has made me think a lot more about veganism. I went vegetarian in 2008 and am planning on going vegan for Lent this year (looking forward to trying lots of your recipes!), and hoping to permanently reduce the amount of animal products that I eat. I’d love to read this book so I can learn more about the health benefits of reducing/eliminating consumption of animal products- and so I can back myself up with solid evidence when talking to my family, who already think I am crazy for being vegetarian.
I also tweeted the giveaway 🙂 (@skyeharmony)
I have not read The China Study yet. I tried to get it at my local library, but they didn’t have it, neither did the county library. This would be a great opportunity to read it. Thanks for entering me.
Fran
This book is on my list of books to read. I would love to win a copy.
Just tweeted! Glad to spread the news!
I have been curious about this book for a long time, and recently announced my Oprah-inspired vegan-ish life. 🙂
I tweeted you too!
And mentioned the giveaway on my blog.
(Can you tell I want the book? LOL!)
SO interesting! What a great giveaway…thanks for sharing such a great resource with us! I’m interested in reading this book because I am one of those people who’s on the fence about switching over fully to vegetarian and vegan. The more I read and the more documentaries I see, the more it seems to make sense. I would love a copy of this book to learn more and and also share the info with both my husband and family. Thanks!
Thanks Gena so much for the info on this book and the giveaway. I have never heard of this book, but as a fairly new vegan there are probably a lot of them out there that I should look into. I would love a copy of this book, to see the scientific side to veganism. I have read and watched plenty of stuff on the animal rights perspective and I would love to see the scientific one. Thanks again for the giveaway!
I also tweeted your giveaway. 🙂
I’d enjoy your copy of The China Study.
I’m a longtime vegetarian (18 yrs) and vegan (5 yrs), with a little over a year under my belt as a high raw foodie. My diet has changed over the years in response to a keen hunger for optimal health. It hasn’t taken much to make me change my eating habits, and I don’t tend to “mourn” foods that I decide shouldn’t be on my menu. My friends and family frequently contact me with diet questions, and I do my best to answer honestly, acknowledging our different perspectives and priorities with respect. I pass along a lot of reading material/websites/videos, and this book has been on my to-do list for awhile now. I’d love to have a copy that I can share and reference.
Thanks for all you do, Gena!
Would like to win this book to educate myself. I don’t know a whole lot about it and haven’t had a chance to get it yet.
Thank you Gena for the opportunity to win this book! I “tweeted” your tweet and am posting here also. I would love to hear more of the “science” behind why vegan is more healthy for our bodies.
I haven’t read the book yet and I ‘d love to win a copy because I want to be able to defend properly veganism and also because I care about health and I want to share the message of at least reducing chances of dying because of animal consumption. And yes what you said about the danger of a “holy grail” is something to watch out for.
Thanks for the giveaway! As much as I read about food, the China Study isn’t something I’ve read yet and it definitely should be. I really respect how it has been able to convince a lot of “mainstream” eaters to be conscious of their diets so I definitely want to see what it’s all about 🙂
I would love to own this book to have as a reference. Sometimes know I want to respond to someone regarding veganism and I know I *know* what I want to tell them, I just can’t always put it into words so that it’s compelling.
Mina
Gena, thank you for the wonderful review of The China Study. Your post was a pleasure to read. I have not read the book. It is on the top of my ‘need to read’ list. I look forward to T. Colin Campbell’s wisdom and reading the book that many attribute to their conversion to veganism!
This book has been on my to-read list for an embarrassingly long time. I want to read this book because I appreciate the science that goes behind food and subsequent health outcomes. I think it’s important to understand more about the effects of what we eat. I think by reading this book, it will expand my beliefs and thoughts about a plant-based diet and will push me to ask more questions and to realize that there is a lot more work to be done.
I have heard about this book numerous times, and as a scientist myself, I would love an opportunity to read it. Thanks for touching on the different perspectives of readers of this book. Thank you also for your blog, I always enjoy your recipes and reflections.
I’ve been meaning to read this book for ages! I’m a committed vegan and have been for many years. Heart disease runs in my family, which is one of many reasons why I follow a plant-based diet. I know that veganism is right for me even without reading too many science/nutrition heavy texts. My father on the other hand isn’t convinced. When I finally get around to reading this book, I’m hoping I can continue to (gently) push my dad towards eating more plant-based foods and less animal products. I think that the ‘hard’ science approach might convince him. Sometimes I get so frustrated knowing that there are ways in which his diet could be helping to reduce cholesterol and risk of heart disease rather than contributing to them. If only more medical professionals were trained to have a holistic understanding of nutrition.
On a side note, I love choosingraw, thanks for helping me to incorporate more raw foods into my diet!
I would love to receive this book so that I can study and defend better my reasons for being vegan. I feel like I lack a lot of the base knowledge to defend my choice.
i also think i lack a lot of knowledge to defend my choice.. so now i just say ”because i like the food better, i dont like the taste of any meat, i think eggs are gross and dairy makes me sick (literally)” and people stop asking… this is not my only reason to be vegan, but some ppl are just trying to attack the choice.. they are not curious, so to them.. that’s my answer.. ppl that are curious are invited to my house for a meal and maybe watch ‘food inc’ (im obssesed with that movie for some reason)!! lol
I recently lived in China for a few months and had an extremely hard time finding vegan food while I was there. It seemed everything was cooked in animal fat or had fish based sauces. I know Chinese diets vary largely by region and income, but I am quite curious to read the book having spent extensive time there and having seen China’s recent fast food movement and rapidly rising obesity rates first hand.
I think the reason men are more likely to buy into this book hardcore is that men are more likely to believe scientific-sounding books and things that seem like “hard facts”, and are also more likely to care about longevity for some reason. Whereas women are more likely to go into veganism because they love animals, or because the idea of being “clean” or “pure” appeals to them.
I know that’s a generalization and probably not a very flattering one–I honestly don’t mean to offend anyone and I hope it doesn’t sound like I don’t respect vegans–on the contrary I have a huge amount of respect for people who follow a vegan diet, and I try to keep animal products to a minimum in my own diet. Also as a girl I can say that the above stereotype definitely applies to me :p