The Peculiar Origins of Kellogg’s Cereal

Kellogg’s cereal, a ubiquitous presence at breakfast tables around the globe, has an origin story that is both peculiar and steeped in controversy, intimately connected to the convictions and aspirations of its inventor, John Harvey Kellogg. As a distinguished physician, nutritionist, and health advocate in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Kellogg held profound beliefs about diet and its impact on health. Notably, his fervent opposition to masturbation, which he viewed as detrimental to one’s physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, played a critical role in shaping his dietary recommendations.^[1]

Diet and Morality: The Kellogg Approach

Kellogg’s stance on masturbation, seen as a widespread problem, led him to advocate for a bland diet. He theorized that flavorful or spicy foods could increase sexual desire, thereby raising the likelihood of masturbation. This belief was a key driver in the development of Kellogg’s cereal. Alongside his brother, Will Keith Kellogg, they endeavored to create a breakfast option that was not only healthful but also sufficiently bland to deter what John perceived as unhealthy sexual impulses. This endeavor resulted in the creation of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, initially designed as an anti-masturbatory breakfast meal.^[1]

A Shift in Dietary Trends Over Time

Over time, our dietary landscape has undergone vast changes. The rise of industrialization brought about an era of processed foods, drastically altering traditional eating patterns. These processed foods, characterized by their convenience and extended shelf life, have become prevalent, leading to a decline in the consumption of natural, whole-food-based diets that our ancestors followed.^[2-4]

Processed Foods and Public Health Concerns

Processed foods are often high in sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives, contributing to a range of health issues, including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. This shift towards processed foods has harmed public health, raising concerns among nutritionists and health experts.^[2-4]

Rediscovering Ancestral Diets

In response to these concerns, there has been a resurgence in interest in ancestral eating patterns. These diets, often called Paleo, primal, or hunter-gatherer diets, emphasize consuming foods our early ancestors would have access to. This means a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods such as meats, fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. These diets are grounded in the principle of eating nourishing, natural foods with minimal alteration from their original form.^[5]

The Benefits of Ancestral Eating

Adopting an ancestral diet has numerous health benefits, particularly regarding hormonal balance and overall well-being. A diet rich in high-quality fats and proteins benefits hormone production, including sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen. These hormones are vital for overall health and well-being.^[7,8] Libido and sexual health, which are often indicators of general health, can also benefit from this dietary shift. Ancestral eating provides the body with essential nutrients, potentially leading to enhanced libido and better sexual health.^[8]

Implementing Ancestral Diets in Modern Life

Transitioning to an ancestral diet in our fast-paced modern world may seem challenging, but it is quite achievable with some planning and commitment. Key strategies include focusing on unprocessed, whole foods, planning meals, cooking at home, mindful shopping, and making gradual dietary changes. Listening to your body’s response to these changes is also essential, as individual reactions can vary.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the story of Kellogg’s cereal is more than just the history of a breakfast staple. It reflects a time when the connection between diet and health was viewed differently and underscores how our dietary practices deviated from our ancestors.

References:

1. “The Strange Story behind Your Breakfast Cereal.” JSTOR, daily.jstor.org/the-strange-backstory-behind-your-breakfast-cereal/.
2. Juul, Filippa et al. “Ultra-processed Foods and Cardiovascular Diseases: Potential Mechanisms of Action.” Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.).
3. Poti, Jennifer M et al. “Ultra-processed Food Intake and Obesity: What Really Matters for Health-Processing or Nutrient Content?”.
4. Chen, Zhangling et al. “Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: Three Large Prospective U.S. Cohort Studies.”
5. Kresser, Chris. “What Is an Ancestral Diet and How Does It Help You?”.
6. Grotto, David, and Elisa Zied. “The Standard American Diet and its relationship to the health status of Americans.”
7. “Ways to Support Female’s Hormones through Nutrition.” Recreational Services.
8. Mumford, Sunni L et al. “Dietary fat intake and reproductive hormone concentrations and ovulation in regularly menstruating women.”
9. Leidy, Heather J. “Increased dietary protein as a dietary strategy to prevent and/or treat obesity.”
10. Firth, Joseph et al. “Food and mood: how do diet and nutrition affect mental wellbeing?”.