This is the fascinating story of how biochemist Jack Drummond and his new science of “nutritionism” achieved one of the greatest public health victories of all time. Drummond created a way of eating that enhanced health for all citizens during a time of war shortages and rationing. And his story remains relevant today as we face the effects of climate change on our food supply.
In the decade before the war Britain imported around 22 million tons of food a year, almost two-thirds of its food supply. During the war that was halved, to around 11.5 million tons. But the British never starved. In fact, they ate the healthiest diet they had ever enjoyed.
More people were killed of famine during the war than in battle, but under Drummond’s guidance British citizens ended the war healthier than when it began.
Infant mortality rates were the lowest on record; bone growth and the height of children increased and the rate of every diet-related disease declined dramatically. So, rather than being starved into submission the British ended the war in robust health. I have always felt that growing up at that time was, in health terms, very lucky. My young body had no opportunity to be seduced by the kind of programmed obesity that afflicts so many kids today.
The World War II Diet That Saved Britain | The Daily Beast
