1962
Dr Dennis Burkitt, while working as a doctor in Africa, discovered that there was a much lower incidence of cancer of the colon among rural black Africans than among Europeans and Americans. He attributed this low incidence to their relatively crude diet
Burkitt D P, et al. Some geographical variations in disease patterns in East and Central Africa. East African Medical Journal. 1963; 40: 1
According to Le Fannu, the protective properties of fibre replaced earlier dietary philosophy that had shunned carbohydrates in favour of high fat foods.
Le Fanu, J. (1991) A healthy diet – fact or fashion. In Health, lifestyle and environment: Countering the panic. Social Affairs Unit, USA.