Nathan Pritikin Diet

After a diagnosis of heart disease when he was 42, Nathan Pritikin decided to change his diet and lifestyle to slow down the progression of his heart condition. The Pritikin Diet was one of the first programs that suggested reducing the amount of fat in the diet to improve heart health. The idea caught on, and in the 1970s, the Pritikin Diet became the most popular diets.

History of the Pritikin Diet

In 1975, Nathan Pritikin opened The Pritikin Longevity Center in California to teach clients how to improve their diets and change their lifestyles to increase their lifespans. Three years later, with the assistance of two other doctors, Dr. David Lehr, and Dr. Robert Bauer, he opened another clinic in Florida. Unfortunately, Pritikin developed cancer and died at the age of 69, but an autopsy determined that he no longer had any signs of heart disease.

Pritikin Plan Essentials

The Pritikin Diet is high in fiber and low in saturated fats and cholesterol. The diet recommends lower protein levels than those listed in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. In addition to restricting calorie-dense foods, the plan calls for a minimum of 45 minutes of moderate exercise every day. Dieters consume lots of foods that contain bulk, such as beans, broccoli and whole grains that make them feel full longer, so they don't overeat.

In addition, the diet restricts salt, sugar and red meat, but encourages dieters to consume vegetables, fruits, potatoes and peas. Processed foods, caffeine and alcohol are discouraged.

Potential Benefits

Dieters who follow the Pritikin plan are likely to lose weight, reports the "The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine," but how much weight they can lose, and how quickly they lose it, depends upon the individual's body frame and metabolism. The primary goal of the diet, however, is to increase heart health and decrease low-density lipoprotein, or "bad," cholesterol levels. Dieters may also experience lower blood pressure levels, increased control of insulin levels and a reduction in the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, colon cancer and prostate cancer.

Drawbacks

The Pritikin Diet may not allow enough healthy fats, which may result in inadequate amounts of essential fatty acids, according to Northwestern University. If the dieter follows the diet plan stringently, he or she may not get enough vitamins D, E and B-12. The Pritikin Diet does not meet the current standards for supplying essential minerals, including iron, calcium and zinc.

Eating high amounts of fiber may result in gastrointestinal upset and restricting dairy products may increase the risk of osteoporosis. Talk to your doctor before embarking on any new diet.