Healthy Foods: Fact versus Fiction Review

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(More customer reviews)This is one of those books that should be in every public library; if it isn't in yours, make the suggestion to your librarians to get it. The authors have provided heavily footnoted information on fifty foods often mentioned in discussions of what makes up a healthy diet.
This reference is primarily vegetarian, with only eggs and sardines included in the list of foods included, and some of the "trendy" kinds of things like acacia berries are conspicuous by their absence. Each food (listed alphabetically) is described with a summary of research related to the potential for assisting in improving our health. Take "dried plums" as an example. After noting that "in the past, dried plums were often viewed more as a laxative," this chapter moves on to note that there have been studies showing positive impacts of dried plums on osteoporosis, weight management, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular health, breast cancer, and possibly even in suppressing the growth of major food-borne pathogens in ground meat. These are not the kinds of "miracle cure" statements seen in those ubiquitous internet ads but instead include citations of studies around the world, with the findings carefully stated.
Almost every section ends with a caveat or two; for dried plums, those who tend to be anemic are advised that these could reduce absorption of iron, so dried plum juice should be consumed only between meals.
Most chapters end with a "should XXX be part of the diet?" For some things--garlic for example--they enthusiastically endorse the food. For others, there is a more measured response. After citing a large number of benefits of tea, there is mention of potential interaction with cancer drugs that should be discussed with the oncologist of anyone taking these, along with a reminder that green tea contains high fluoride levels, so those drinking fluoridated water may need to limit this otherwise beneficial beverage.
There is much to be learned from this book. If you write about or work with foods and menu planning on a daily basis, it could be an excellent addition to your personal library. However, I have given it only four stars for the general reader, because it is probably more detailed than most would find necessary to purchase for themselves. But, just as I started this review, I will say it again--I heartily recommend Healthy Foods: Fact Versus Fiction as a critical part of every public library's reference section.


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