This useful guide provides basic information on a wide range of nutritional supplements, incorporating cutting edge findings in the fields of nutrition and supplementation. This updated edition includes information on newer supplements and herbal remedies like MSM, IP6, colostrum, olive leaf extract and saw palmetto.In Chapter One: Nutrition, Diet and Wellness, the author provides the basics of nutrition, from the 4 basic nutrients to the micronutrients plus guidelines for selecting and preparing foods. This section includes an interesting article on phytochemicals (biologically active substances in plants that give them their color and flavour).
The chapters that follow provides an overview of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and water, explaining their functions in the body and then providing a detailed discussion of the individual vitamins, minerals and amino acids. The chapter on water discusses various types like tap, artesian, bottled, sparkling, distilled and natural spring water.
The chapter on anti-oxidants looks at a wide spectrum of substances, from Alpha-Lipoic Acid to Zinc. The next chapter deals with enzymes, their role in the body and how they interact with foods. This includes a list of commercially available digestive enzymes.
Natural Food Supplements are discussed in detail, from Acidophilus to Yeast; this section includes entries on SAMe, Phosphatidylserine, MSM, Melatonin, Glucosamine, DHEA, CoQ10, Colloidal Silver, Creatine and Pregnenolone, providing the latest information.
The last chapter is devoted to herbs, including essential oils, extracts, teas, tinctures and wines. Here one can find information on anything from Acerola to Yucca, divided into the parts of the plant that is used, its phytochemical and nutrient content, its actions and uses and further comments on the plant.
The valuable and handy guide concludes with a thorough index. Another excellent guide to supplements is Earl Mindell's Supplement Bible. For a more thorough treatment of nutritional healing, I recommend James and Phyllis Balch's extensive work Prescription For Nutritional Healing.
