This points to something that is basically a problem of the Enlightenment and to which there is no solution, IMHO -- namely, that good science is bad psychology. Scientific truths are characteristically provisional -- subject to endless revision and correction. As a result, people in modern societies spend all their time in a high state of anxiety, constantly adjusting their diets in a hopeless effort to reconcile contradictory findings about antioxidants, fiber, cholesterol -- you name it. Traditional, religion-based societies typically have a poorer material quality of life, but at least they can offer their people the psychological comfort of "certainties" regarding God's love, salvation, etc.
I personally try to ignore as much scientifically validated health advice as possible while at the same time giving religious adherents a wide berth -- my version of the Golden Mean.
Carl _________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com.
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