BOOK REVIEW: 101 FOODS THAT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE (Bantam, 2008,

101 FOODS THAT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE (Bantam, 2008, 437 pages, ISBN
978-0-553-38432-1, $14US paper covers) is by David Grotto, RD, LDN, a
nutritionist consultant. It comes endorsed by the Nutrition Director of
Prevention magazine and author Dr. Brian Wansink (Mindless Eating).
Last year, there was a book published which covered 150 foods.
Actually, an in depth survey examined some 360 different foods, and
ranked them all on a naturally nutrient-rich score. We don't know what
these other 259 are because Grotto does not list them. But he does some
rejigging to include phytochemicals and the like, plus ease of
availability. So he attempts to clarify and classify some 101 foods
(more details are at www.101foodsthatcouldsaveyourlife.com). This is an
alphabetically arranged reference book, from "acai berries" (an anti-
oxidant from Brazil) to "yogurt". Each entry describes the food's
origins and users, home remedies. Therapeutic benefits are also
described, along with the relevant research to support those claims in
the appropriate end notes. Cancer inhibition is covered, use and prep
of the food, plus a recipe. Thus "acai" increases sexual performance
and beauty, inhibits cancer, and is useful served with breakfast or
dessert. If you use it served over yogurt, then you'll also get the
benefits attributed to yogurt: inhibiting both arthritis and colon
cancer, improving cholesterol ratios and gut health. The appendices
include some 2,000 calorie meal plans, a list of benefits of
phytochemicals and nutrients, recipe credits, end notes, and references
to websites.
Audience and level of use: people concerned about what they eat.
Some interesting or unusual facts: Teff is a grain from Ethiopia. The
word means "lost" (if you drop it you won't find it). It is the
smallest grain the world, being 1/32 of an inch (0.8 mm) in diameter.
The downside to this book: no illustrations, but then that keeps the
price down.
The upside to this book: extensive index by food and health condition
(e.g., IBS, hypertension, larynx cancer).
Quality/Price Rating: 90.

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