The “Rice Diet” and Duke University | NC DNCR
On May 6, 1944, the Journal of the American Medical Association cited a study on the effect of what would become known as the “Rice Diet” on treating heart disease. Walter Kempner of Duke University presented the results at an AMA conference later that year.
...........
The regimen successfully treated disease without drugs. Its beneficial effects were dramatic, not only on kidney disease and hypertension, but also on cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, congestive heart failure and diabetes. Kempner found that the low fat content of the diet also enhanced weight loss.
This was far from the ideal treatment but it produced excellent results for that day. Present day programs with superior diets are even more effective.
This one is covered by Medicare:
NCA - Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation (ICR) Program - Dr. Ornish'''s Program for Reversing Heart Disease (CAG-00419N) - Decision Memo