A few weeks ago BenBella Books asked if I would review a copy of a few new books, and host a giveaway. I LOVE this stuff! Reading, especially on the subject of health and nutrition, is a passion of mine….and who doesn’t love giving stuff away?!?! For now, I’m focusing on one of the books, Food Over Medicine, by Dr. Pamela Popper and Glen Merzer. I will get to the review and giveaway for the other book, The China Study Cookbook by Leanne Campbell, in a few weeks (hint: it’s AWESOME).
I sort of felt like I was cheating when I said I’d review Food Over Medicine because 1) I’d already read it (ordered it the day it came out and had it read 2 days later) and 2) I know the authors personally. These two issues are insignificant, however, because the book is amazing and I’d read it again in a heartbeat.
Food Over Medicine imparts a lot of information, but it’s a very easy read, due in large part to the conversation style format in which it’s written. Glen Merzer and Pam Popper discuss everything from health-promoting/destroying foods, to supplements and healthcare. They talk about screening and diagnostic tests such as mammograms and PSA tests, and whether or not they are beneficial, harmful or useless. The subject matter is certainly not light and airy but they manage to create an atmosphere in which you feel at ease, as if you’re sitting at the table listening to these two knowledgable, witty professionals.
The best part of the book is that nearly everything they say is referenced. While some stories are shared, the recommendations are always supported by the science. That being said, the data is laid out in such a way that the reader is engaged and interested without feeling dazed and confused. Many common myths are debunked and there are even some tasty recipes in the center of the book, courtesy of awesome vegan chef Del Sroufe.
There is so much contradictory, confusing information out there, it can feel overwhelming. This book really puts you at ease and makes you realize each of us needs to take control of our own health, and that it isn’t rocket science. It’s quite simple really. As the jacket of the book states “overmedicated, overfed, and malnourished, most Americans fail to realize the answer to lower disease rates doesn’t lie in more pills but in the foods we eat.” If everyone would embrace that reality, and put into practice the information shared in this wonderful, enlightening book, we’d be a much healthier, prosperous nation!
Contest Rules:
Simply leave a comment with your answer to the following question, and you’ll be entered in the drawing to win your own free copy of Food Over Medicine. One winner will be chosen at random after the contest closes on Friday, July 19th at noon, Pacific time. Good luck!
Contest Question: Name two veggies; one you absolutely love, and one you wish didn’t exist!
