Created by the Reverend George Malkmus, the Hallelujah diet is based in mostly uncooked vegan food. Malkmus claims that his method replicates the way Adam and Eve ate in the Garden of Eden.
Diet Contents
The majority of the Hallelujah diet is raw fruits and vegetables. Cooked food can be eaten, but only in a smaller proportion (about 15 percent) of the person's total intake. Nutritional supplements sold on Malkmus' web site are required daily.
Dietary Restrictions
People on the Hallelujah diet are restricted from foods not included in a vegan diet, including eggs, dairy, and meat. They also cannot consume beverages with caffeine or alcohol.
Benefits
The Hallelujah diet is high in fiber and low in fat. Its high fruit and vegetable content also provides antioxidants that can help prevent heart disease and cancer.
Drawbacks
According to Dr. Stephen Barret, the Hallelujah diet does not offer balanced nutrition and is low in several key dietary components, such as protein and calcium. In a 2002 study on the diet by Greg Westbrook, participants demonstrated long-term development of nutritional deficiencies, loss of energy and muscle tone, and depression.
Conclusions
Dr. Barret notes that while there are advantages to a vegan diet, the Hallelujah diet does not offer all the nutrients the human body needs. Its claims are based on Malkmus' personal faith, but not scientific evidence.
Member Comments