The food pyramid was created by a mis-interpretation of Ancel Key's research in the 1950s. His findings? Saturated fats and fructose cause high cholesterol. The food companies dropped the fructose from the equation, and we produced a food pyramid that encouraged fructose while banning saturated fats. The problem is that we NEED saturated fats. We don't need fructose.

Our obesity epidemic today? Following the food pyramid!!! I once did, and I once weighed 350 pounds. Meanwhile, "soft" drinks use high-fructose corn syrup. OUR OWN GOVERNMENT'S FOOD PYRAMID!!!

One more thing: At last check, we are the only western country who allows drug advertising. Shameful. Our laws aren't yet good enough. Sadly.

Great piece. Thanks for writing. This is an important topic.