The author, Jonny Bowden, is a nutritionalist but is one of the few who has remained an independent thinker. He hasn’t nailed his colours to the mast of a particular Super Food; and he has refrained from saying that any particular ingredient should be avoided at all cost (apart from the infamous trans-fatty acids).
Jonny presents a book that is noteworthy for its lack of hype and scare-mongering. He offers an unbiased view of foods and discusses their individual benefits. He encourages you to think of foods as friends rather than unsavoury (or savoury for that matter) acquaintances who won’t take no for an answer.
The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth is an easy book to read, use and appreciate. Jonny starts with an overview and an explanation of dietary terms. He doesn’t assume that you have a degree in something health-related and he targets his wisdom towards the general public who want to eat balanced and healthful meals.
When I say “diet” I don’t mean that The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth focuses on weight loss. It’s true, however, that a balanced diet will promote a slimmer and sleeker you if you happen to be a bit on the chubby side. This book is a tool to aid healthy eating and to allow you to make the best possible food choices.
The book is divided by food type with sections devoted to each food group. There are the useful additions of chapters for beverages and herbs and spices as well as oils and sweeteners. The volume of information on each item is considerable, with both pros and cons discussed. He busts some food myths: that chocolate is the root of mankind’s undoing, and that you would be better off if you banished coffee from your life forever. Sounding good, isn’t it?
Jonny Bowden has a raft of experts who have added their personal Top 10 foods at the end of each section, and there are plenty of Worth Knowing notes to further add to the breadth of information. He has an easy accessible style of writing that is neither condescending nor over-technical. It’s a book to read and enjoy but it has a serious message. You can lead a healthier life by just making a few painless adjustments, and you’ll feel better for it.
The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth
Author: Jonny Bowden
Published by: Fair Winds
Price: £15.99, $24.99US
ISBN 13: 978-1-59233-228-1
Cookbook review by Chrissie Walker © 2018
Read my review of Jonny Bowden’s The Healthiest Meals on Earth here