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by Jonny Bowden, PH.D., CNS
The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth
This is a gorgeous book that belongs in the library of anyone who cares about nutrition and health. Crisp photos, ultra-clean layout, but best of all an actual point of view”. If you thought you were in for just another ho-hum recounting of the conventional wisdom about soy, whole grains and the evils of meat, think again. And be prepared to be dazzled, entertained and educated.
totalhealth contributing editor, Dr. Jonny Bowden has never shied away from controversy. His latest book comes with the interesting subtitle The Surprising and Unbiased Truth About What To Eat and Why. And in this book he takes on many conventional nutritional myths and clarifies the confusing issues of the day, including the debate about soy (Bowden’s not a fan), the difference between farm-raised and wild salmon (Bowden hates the former, loves the latter) and the difference between supermarket milk and the raw organic kind (ditto). Want to know the real meaning (and significance) of terms like “organic”, “grass-fed” and “free-range”? Read this book.
Bowden, the author of last year’s best selling Living the Low Carb Life: Choosing the Diet that’s Right for You, is an author known for mixing folksy wit, storytelling style and sound science. The 150 Healthiest Foods does not disappoint. You’ll find out which foods were considered aphrodisiacs in ancient Rome, but you’ll also find out which foods are fiber superstars. Discover that cashews are a member of the poison ivy family, while eggplant is actually a berry and falls into the nightshade grouping. Learn that guava is one of the most high-fiber foods on the planet, and that the lutein in spinach is not only great for your eyes but also far better absorbed with some fat. Determine how to convert unsalted butter to ghee, which is one of the finest cooking oils available and provides an important rejuvenating tonic for the mind, brain, and nervous system. Discover how the country of origin of cheese affects its cancer-fighting, fat-reducing properties. And be ready to be delighted when you learn that coconut oil— as well as real chocolate—are health foods.
The book is packed with all sorts of gems, including:
H “Ask the Expert”: top 10 food lists from some of the superstars of health including totalhealth contributing editors Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., CNS and Stephen Sinatra, M.D.
H Starred entries within the list of 150 foods, designating the cream of the crop
H A glossary that helpfully defines various nutrients, hormones, diseases, antioxidants and other compounds
H Mini-lessons on such hot topics as the glycemic index, differentiation of fats, and eating organically
H Interpretation of foods from homeopathic, Ayurvedic, and yoga nutritional therapy perspectives
The 150 selected foods are organized into chapters by food genres: Vegetables; Grains; Beans & Legumes; Fruits; Nuts, Seeds, and Nut Butters; Soy Foods; Dairy; Meat, Poultry, and Eggs; Fish and Seafood; Specialty Foods; Beverages; Herb, Spices, and Condiments; Oils; and Sweeteners. Each food listing carries an explanation of which nutrients makes it a winner, why these nutrients are so good for us, who in particular would benefit, and who’s at risk and should avoid that particular food. Jonny even frequently provides tips on selection and preparation.
Although very entertaining, this book is still solidly backed by the science. The research presented is impressive, but Jonny is adept at making complex things simple. As a result, the book is an easy and engaging read—so much so that it feels a little like enjoying a conversation with Jonny over a cup of coffee (or, after reading this book, a glass of noni juice).
If you want to understand what you’re eating and how it affects your body, this well-considered book is a must-have.
For more on totalhealth contributing editor Jonny Bowden visit http://www.jonnybowden.com.
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