My above comment was tongue-in-cheek.
I don't think the science has changed in regard to nuts as explained in my last thread on nuts.
viewtopic.php?f=22&t=40295The change from Dr Ornish is supposed to be based in science. The new recommendation can't be based on any nutrient(s) as not all the choices (or the amounts recommended) supply anywhere near the same level of any nutrient(s) that may be of benefit. So, outside of adding a few nuts for taste, crunch or texture, where is the known benefit (& science) of adding so few nuts/seeds. Some observational studies? Some randomized controlled studies where they used much more (~2 oz per day) then he is recommending and for which the results, when put in proper context, were unremarkable.
At the amounts he is recommending, this makes them not into a super food, but a super miracle food.
I agree they should have always been allowed but to suddenly allow three peanuts or a walnut?
I haven't changed my mind nor am I changing anything till the science changes.
And as pointed out, if your evidence supports a very specific program on what is included or not, and you change the program, the existing evidence for the original program no longer applies to the new changes. Where is the study that compared the old reversal program without any nuts/seeds versus the new reversal program with nuts/seeds?
As Dr Ornish himself said...
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/862903“Now, it is entirely possible that perhaps a somewhat higher-fat diet, if it is plant-based fats, might work as well, and those are studies worth doing. If that turns out to be true, I will modify our dietary guidelines accordingly. But fat is not the whole story”
This has not happened yet. No one has done this study and the truth is, till it is done, we can’t say what is being said about the reversal program. HIs evidence is based on his original program. He now needs new evidence on the new program with nuts/seeds.
AFAIK, having worked together with Dr Esselstyn him for five years, he recommends up to 2 tablespoons of flaxseed a day. His recommendation, which is for flax or chia only, is based on omega 3's, which makes sense.
From his FAQ
http://www.dresselstyn.com/site/faq/"Flax seed meal is well tolerated and supplies a bonus of omega 3 using 1 or 2 tablespoons on cereal daily. Avoid flax seed oil."What is best is to follow the principles and guidelines as recommended, applying them to yourself and your situation and make sure your diet is calorie adequate, satiating and nutrient sufficient.
Nutrients are required. Foods are only sources of nutrients. I don't think any one specific food is required
My guidelines have always "allowed" for 1-2 servings per day depending on the person and the situation as explained in my thread on nuts and in my DVD on nuts.
In Health
Jeff