The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth: The Surprising, Unbiased Truth About What You Should Eat and Why

"I agree with the other reviews this is a really nice book and very well illustrated. It is both a reference book and an enjoyable reading book.
It blows away many myths. People who know a lot about food and diet will still find much of interest. "
~ Written on 2007-08-14

"Finally, a nutrition book that includes coffee, chocolate and...wait for it... butter!

Forget about the diet plans and the experts claiming they can change your life... If you really want to improve your diet this is the book to read. Not only is the information backed up with science, Jonny Bowden's writing is entertaining and even makes you laugh in places. Each food is illustrated in colour and actually makes you want to go and eat the stuff.

In addition to the above, there is no preaching about bad foods (other than trans fat which is fair enough). He explains the reasons why we should eat stuff and explains about the risks of chemicals on our food, when it's best to buy organic and the pros and cons of certain 'risks'.

I'm really looking forward to the cookbook when it's published."
~ Written on 2007-04-06

"This is a beautifully presented book, a pleasure to look at with its crisp photos and clean layout. The content more than matches the promise of the aesthetics - it's packed with all sorts of gems, including:

* "Ask the Expert" top 10 food lists from various authorities who are either health writers or practitioners
* starred entries within the list of 150 foods, designating the cream of the crop
* a glossary that helpfully defines various nutrients, hormones, diseases, etc
* mini-lessons on such hot topics as the glycemic index, differentiation of fats, and eating organically
* interpretation of foods from homeopathic, Ayurvedic, and yoga nutritional therapy perspectives

The 150 selected foods are organised 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 so should avoid that particular food. Jonny even frequently provides tips on selection and preparation.

So much of the information is fascinating, and often surprising. 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 raspberries are calorie for calorie one of the most high-fibre foods on the planet, and that spinach and tomatoes are great for your eyes thanks to the lutein in them. 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. And realize that country of origin of cheese affects its cancer-fighting, fat-reducing properties.

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, its properties and how it affects your body, this well-considered book is a must-have. As a health and fitness trainer, I'm enthusiastically recommending this book to all my clients so they can achieve fat loss, health, and performance goals through informed dietary choices."
~ Written on 2007-02-05