Let food be thy medicine: Prince Charles summons Naples' Dr. David Perlmutter to Highgrove
Naples-based neurologist, best-selling author and wellness expert, Dr. David Perlmutter, met Prince Charles last month at Highgrove House when summoned for an intimate symposium on the correlation between global changes in diet and the increasing burden of chronic illnesses.
Perlmutter’s most recent book, Drop Acid, delves into uric acid’s role in obesity, diabetes and hypertension. It is his seventh book earning a coveted spot on the New York Times bestsellers list, following Grain Brain and subsequent books in the series.
“Our discussion laid bare the direct global health impact of the pervasive consumption of highly processed foods and refined carbohydrates. We explored how we could provide the Prince with a foundational platform for influencing the general public as well as governmental agencies towards supporting better food choices,” Perlmutter said.
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Other physicians and food-focused experts attending the June 21 summit include British celebrity chef Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall, Dr. Dean Ornish and Harvard psychiatrist Dr. Uma Naidoo, who also graduated from Cambridge School of Culinary Arts as a professional chef.
Following his meeting, Charles, Prince of Wales, appointed Perlmutter to serve on his majesty's health advisory board, keeping the future King of England up to date on developments in health and wellness.
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Restaurant cheat sheet
Based on Perlmutter's philosophy and ingredient recommendations for optimum health, I asked what baby steps might be helpful when dining out.
NDN: How can we make healthier choices at restaurants?
Perlmutter: “Ask about the sauces and condiments, is there added sugar?”
NDN: Why are smoothies a better choice over juices?
Perlmutter: “Smoothies contain fiber that slows the absorption of sugar and helps to nurture our gut bacteria, a critically important step for overall health.”
NDN: What should comprise a nutritious salad?
Perlmutter: ”Generally, fat is not a consideration for most people when ordering salads, but it should be. Nutritious fat that can easily make its way into a salad, and lead to a healthier choice, includes the addition of avocado, nuts, and the use of olive oil.”
Diana Biederman is the food and restaurant writer at Naples Daily News and contributes to Fort Myers News-Press. Eating healthy but deliciously has been an obsession since childhood. Connect with her at diana.biederman@naplesnews.com.