Review by Scerakor -- Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks

[Scerakor]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks" by Morton E Tavel, MD.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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There is a multitude of information out there in this day and age of the internet. Every single connected individual has the capacity to post content that can literally be seen by billions with minimal effort. Not only do we live in an age where this is technically possible, this can all be done with little to no vetting of the validity of this information. Between this and the additional “commonly known” information (traditionallu known as ‘old wives tales’) we are bombarded with data that is not only potentially false, but also potentially harmful.

Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks is a non-fiction book by Morton E Tavel, MD, who takes it upon herself to attack, clarify, and explain (through the application of scientific fact and peer-reviewed studies) the validity, dangers, and falsehoods behind a variety of topics. Split up into three main sections (Tips, Myths, and Tricks), Dr. Tavel aims to educate the layman on the truths behind what we are putting into our body. In the first section, she addresses some tips on how to eat better. She talks about things like coffee, red meat, sodium, mercury in fish, artificial sweeteners, and even e-cigarettes (along with a ton more). In the second section, Dr. Tavel addresses some of the myths behind topics like eating gluten free, bottled water, genetically modified foods, and eating organic. In the final section, she bluntly attacks those that would prey upon people that don’t know better, through shameless promotion on TV with professional athletes, and other scams.

There are many things to like about and reasons to enjoy reading this book. First, as a scientist, I thoroughly enjoyed the no-nonsense approach to some of these popular myths. In this book the common perception is presented, the science is presented, and even the unknowns are clearly indicated when appropriate. Second, I learned a lot of interesting facts while reading this book; the information presented to the reader is inherently fascinating and applicable to our day-to-day lives. Third, the book is important as there is a lot of erroneous information all over these days that frankly needs to be clarified. This book is an excellent way to get this information out to the general public. Finally, and what I like this most, is that this book is divided into many logical sections and chapters that can be consumed any which way the reader desires. It can either be read from front to back or by sections of interest without taking away from the reading experience.

The only negative thing that I have to say about the book lies in the practicality of its advice. When discussing what foods, products, activities, and supplements we should use, the overall impression is rather “doom-and-gloom.” We all know that alcohol, salt, candy, smoking, and everything under the sun is bad for us, but there are very few of us that have the mental fortitude to follow every single one of Dr. Tavel’s nuggets of advice.

As I quite honestly think that more people should read this book (especially those on the organic/gluten-free/non-GM foods/etc kicks) I have no qualms giving this book 4 out of 4 stars. I didn’t give the book a lower score as it is chalked full of pertinent information and it was a pleasure to read. This book is recommended for anyone with an inherent interest in learning the truth behind a wide variety of topics. If you are not ready to adjust your thinking based on hard facts, you may get frustrated reading this book and it may not be for you.

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Health Tips, Myths, and Tricks
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[Stephanie Elizabeth]

Great review! What I did find shocking when I read this book, was that Tavel claims that aspartame is safe. I was surprised, as I feel that I have been bombarded with information about the negative impacts of sweeteners.