Nathan Pritikin Biography:
– Nathan Pritikin’s background in Chicago, Illinois
– Education at the University of Chicago and entrepreneurship with Flash Foto
– Establishment of the Pritikin Longevity Center in Santa Barbara in 1976
– Involvement in developing patents for companies like Honeywell and General Electric
Pritikin Diet:
– Origins in studies on plant-based cultures and WW2 medical data
– Emphasis on low-fat, high unrefined carbohydrate intake
– Specific breakdown of fat, protein, and carbohydrate percentages
– Classification of foods into ‘go foods,’ ‘caution foods,’ and ‘stop foods’
– Targeted at preventing and treating diseases like atherosclerosis and diabetes
Reception and Criticism:
– Classification as a fad diet by dietitians and nutritionists
– Lack of clinical evidence supporting claims of reversing atherosclerosis
– Criticisms for being restrictive and potentially causing deficiencies
– Questioning of effectiveness by the American Medical Association
– Study in 2023 finding no significant impact on mortality or cardiovascular outcomes
Nathan Pritikin’s Death and Legacy:
– Diagnosis of leukemia in 1958 and suicide in 1985
– Autopsy revealing near absence of atherosclerosis
– Active involvement until shortly before his death
– Experience of severe pain and complications in the early 1980s
– Notable publications and contributions to the field of nutrition and longevity
Publications and References:
– Notable articles and books authored by Nathan Pritikin
– Co-authored works with individuals like Jon N. Leonard and Jack L. Hofer
– Mention in publications like The New England Journal of Medicine
– Inclusion in studies on heart conditions and high carbohydrate diets
– References to consumer reports, popular nutritional practices, and comparisons of dietary programs
Nathan Pritikin (August 29, 1915 – February 21, 1985) was an American inventor, engineer, nutritionist and longevity researcher. He promoted the Pritikin diet, a high-carbohydrate low-fat plant-based diet combined with regular aerobic exercise to prevent cardiovascular disease. The Pritikin diet emphasizes the consumption of legumes, whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables and non-fat dairy products with small amounts of lean meat, fowl and fish.
Nathan Pritikin | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | August 28, 1915 Chicago, Illinois |
| Died | February 21, 1985 (aged 69) Albany, New York |
| Nationality | American |
| Genre | Nutrition |
| Spouse | Ilene (1923–2009) |
| Children | 4 sons, 1 daughter |