Reviews

YA‘Polunin reviews the merits of a variety of foods, emphasizing their nutritional benefits as well as providing some recipes for their enjoyment. Throughout the book, she points out historical facts along with knowledgeable comments about the changes in healthful eating habits over the years. From a scientific perspective, the author divulges ancient medicinal uses of food and what modern science has learned and proven. She begins with a basic review of the importance of food for its nutrient values and medical purposes, and then explains how the body physically uses it. In the first of four major sections, she uses 50 selected foods as specific examples of their direct influence on health and includes tips on choosing and storing that particular item. See references from the food item to recipes appear at the bottom of the page. A clear photograph of each food decorates the center of its page, adding a visual model that enhances the textual presentation. The next section presents another 30 healthful foods, although in less detail, and with smaller photographs. The third section offers ideas on how consuming specific foods may enhance cures for certain diseases. The fourth section contains the recipes. The attractive DK format, plus the wealth of information, should entice YAs.‘Pam Johnson, Fairfax County Public Library, VA