Healthy Living Books Books

Rating: - great resource
My uncle, who has been taking vitamins for years, recommended this book to me when I asked him for a single reference that would tell me about vitamins, minerals,EFAs, as well as some of the non vitamin/mineral supplements. This book has it all and I love how it's layed out - for each item it gives a brief overview of what the vitamin etc is, lists the natural food sources which I was particularly interested in, gives the RDA, benefitial effects, and uses. It goes into detail but not so much that you feel bogged down with info. Just enough for me.

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Rating: - Lots of hype - little evidence
Lots of hype but little scientific evidence. Mostly based on opinion and conjecture. Better to look elsewhere......Bratman's Natural Health Bible is excellent with references. Not worth the paper it's printed on.

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Rating: - Biased review of nutritional supplements
Michel Murray shows a distinct lack of knowledge of pathophysiology (alteration of body function due to disease). He fails to present balanced reviews of the literature on herbal supplementation leaving out well conducted studies which failed to show the benefits promoted in his book. Often his conclusions are based on opinion instead of scientific evidence. Save your money and buy some other work of fiction. - William Joppa R.Ph., B.S. Pharmacy, North Dakota State 1985, Doctor of Pharmacy University of Minnesota 2002

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Rating: - Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements
(See my review on the PDR for Nutritional Supplements.) This has much of the same information as "The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements, and Herbs" by Nicola Reavley (1998 - a newer book). I used these books to look up a list of herbal remedies for a weight loss program, and sadly could not find at least one third of these drugs. The reading is easy and to the point, and well-referenced to articles from medical journals. The first 13 pages consist of an introduction to nutritional supplements. Pages 15 - 413 list drugs under their separate categories with discussion on symptoms of deficiencies, recommended dosages, risks and benefits. Pages 413-489 briefly discuss medical conditions and recommendations for treatment, and then come References (56 pages) and the index (20 pages). I am still looking for a more updated and comprehensive source of information to use in my clinic.

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Rating: - A handy reference to nutritional supplements
This book is well organized, making it easy to find information. There's a short introduction to nutritional supplements and lengthy sections on vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, accessory nutrients and glandular products, as well as a quick reference guide to a number of specific health conditions.

The book traces many of its health claims to medical journal articles in a list of references at the back of the book. Its index is good too.