Tackling the issue of obesity and the science of eating a “healthy” low carb, high fat and medium protein diet was the contentious topic of discussion presented by respected sports scientist Professor Tim Noakes at his public lecture at DUT this week.

The lecture, held in association with the University’s Department of Food and Nutrition: Consumer Sciences, was hosted as part of the Executive Dean’s (Faculty of Applied Sciences) Lecture Series at the Mansfield Hall, Ritson Campus, which was filled to capacity with media, members of the public, academics and members of the DUT community. Prof Noakes’ lecture: Is the low fat diet the worst dietary advice in history? especially emphasised the importance of not consuming carbohydrates, mainly those that are refined, sugar and processed food.

Prof Noakes has published over 500 scientific publications, has been cited more than 14 000 times in scientific literature, has an H index of 63 and is rated as an A1 scientist by the National Research Foundation of South Africa. His recent book Real Meal Revolution, co-authored with Jonno Proudfoot, David Grier and Sally-Ann Creed, was launched in November 2013. The book covers scientific facts behind the low carb, high fat diet and contains recipes and advice.

Prof Noakes’ diet, which is synonymous with the Banting eating plan, has always stirred-up controversy as he criticises the conventional dietary recommendations which he says are more harmful than the actual fatty foods. “Some people have a genetic carbohydrate resistance which becomes worse as you become obese and age. Obesity can be cured but diabetes cannot be cured. Obesity is a result of a carbohydrate-intolerant individual eating a high carbohydrate diet,” stressed Prof Noakes.

Like many in the nutrition sector, the University of Cape Town Professor once advocated a high carb diet, leading him to apologise at the DUT lecture. “Since I submitted myself to experiment and avoid all breads, cereals, rice, pasta and refined carbohydrates, replacing them with healthy meats, fish, fruit, vegetables and fats, including nuts, I am the lightest weight I have ever been and I run faster,” said Prof Noakes, who is also a runner.

Through research, Prof Noakes learnt that a diet in high protein suppressed the appetite while one high in carbohydrates did the opposite, adding that absence of hunger was more likely to sustain weight loss. “The intake of refined and addictive carbohydrates fuel over consumption of calories unlike a high fat intake that is usually criticised,” he said.

Not only does the intake of carbohydrates lead to weight gain, said Prof Noakes, it also has a negative impact on human height and brain development. “The change from a protein to a high carbohydrate diet produced a reduction in average human height. Foods high in protein such as meat and fish have a way of positively impacting on our brains. Rice, pasta and refined carbohydrates may not be healthy at all,” said Prof Noakes.

Concluding his lecture, Prof Noakes said all diseases are nutritionally based and treating them with drugs will not work. He further added that the best way to treat diseases was to limit carbohydrate intake to between 25g to 50g a day and completely cut out sugar which he said was addictive, even comparing it to heroin.
For more information on Professor Noakes eating plan, go to www.originaleating.org.

– Noxolo Memela

Pictured: is Prof Noakes during his lecture.