4 out of 4 stars
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Tips Myths and Tricks
This well written and researched book is somewhat evocative of a visit to one’s family doctor, where fears and concerns are addressed with a practical no-nonsense approach, peppered with good advice and common sense. The book is divided into three sections as indicated by the title and each chapter within a section provides a factual evaluation of the topic being discussed, with a conclusion at the end of each chapter. All the perennial favourites get the treatment: - among them,weight loss, blood pressure, food supplements, drinking, smoking, use of salt, as well as the gluten free craze which is currently so popular.
Tips – a variety of common sense solutions which are proven to improve health, well being and increase longevity are explored in each of the ‘tips’ chapters, with a brief conclusion summing up the topic under discussion and recommending a practical course of action. The author believes that a little of what you fancy is good for you, with chocolate and coffee (in moderation of course) making the cut. Common ailments such as high blood pressure are addressed by diet. An enlightening chapter on the little known issue of arsenic content in food; tells the reader that brown rice, generally considered a healthier option than white rice, contains a substantial amount of arsenic per 100g. Not commonly known information, I would think.
Myths – Again a variety of topics are explored, although by including them under ‘myths’ one feels they may have already been written off. Organic foods, raw milk, probiotics are all included in this section to name but a few, and while the pros as well as the cons are listed, the author’s mind is somewhat closed when it comes to attributing health benefits to some of these. The reader gets the impression of a more ‘mature’ attitude here, where new fangled notions such as organic foods are not entertained, despite the fact that many people swear by the health benefits of such a diet. Despite this, the author provides thought provoking opinion.
Tricks - (this is typed as rips on the header, not sure if this is a typo), the clearly ridiculous ‘snake oil’ stuff is listed here, and scathingly dismissed as you would expect.
I liked this book because the layout and clarity of writing make it a valuable and easy to use reference book. Rather than consulting ‘Dr. Google’, and trying to sift through the myriad of material that comes up, one can clearly and easily reference the item one wishes to research and get a common sense evaluation and advice. A wide range of relevant topics are covered, pros and cons set out and a mini cost benefit analysis carried out at the end of each chapter with a clear recommendation, and certain things simply summed as ‘waste of money’.
A large index at the end references the detailed research which gives credibility to Dr. Tavel’s stated opinions. This is a book you will go back to again and again.The book would appeal to a wide audience, particularly young families, who would appreciate a handy reference book, and also the more mature person, who would be less inclined to consult the internet and is reaching the age where health issues start to cause concern. The book would make an ideal gift for a health conscious relative or friend or those with slightly hypochondriac tendencies. Those who follow an organic, vegetarian style of diet, or who subscribe to alternative therapies may find it less appealing but nonetheless its common sense and clearly presented arguments will make it an interesting read for all.
Dr. Tavel’s background as a physician, public speaker and writer makes him very knowledgeable on the type of questions that commonly arise, and make this much more than just a medical reference book. Despite a few minor criticisms, I rate this book 4 out of 4, for its clarity, common sense and wealth of information presented in an informal yet highly informative style.
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Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks
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