The best books on nutrition from a retired dentist

The excessive consumption of sugar and white flour contributes significantly to diabetes, coronary disease, obesity, constipation, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, appendicitis, cholecystitis, diverticulitis, and more plus, of course, dental decay. While treating hundreds of thousands of Africans some seventy years ago, Cleave observed none of the conditions mentioned until these patients moved into cities and began consuming sugar and white flour. If we follow our dentist’s advice on how to eat, these ubiquitous common conditions would be significantly reduced.

A panel of 22 experts who rank diets for U.S. News has consistently placed the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) near the top of all diets. It meets the requirements of Mother Nature’s Lifestyle Diets, that is, no added sugar, no processed foods. This book combines it with the Mediterranean Diet which is not much different from the way hunter-gatherer societies ate. It results in the highest average life expectancy and also prevents and even reverses heart disease. The combination of the two is outstanding.

Dr. David Jenkins and University of Toronto colleagues developed the glycemic index (GI) in 1980–1981. Based on solid science, the GI distinguishes between carbohydrates that are digested slowly (those in Mother Nature’s pantry), those that are digested quickly (refined carbohydrates), and those that lie in between. Using either glucose or white bread as reference points, the GI assigns relative values to carbohydrates and makes sensible selection possible.

Based on David Jenkin’s science-based glycemic index, shortly after publication, this book made the New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists. The latest edition provides a large number of recipes. Additionally, it offers advice about how to lose weight, how to maintain the weight loss, and how to stay on track during holidays and in restaurants. It also discusses the psychology and the management of food cravings. All in all, the book is comprehensive.

This for-life approach diet is based on solid science, is easy to follow, and emphasizes exercise in a healthy lifestyle. There is a universal agreement among experts on the issues of a healthy lifestyle. This book simplifies these issues for the layman. Knowledgeable and qualified people hold it in high regard.

In its marketing activities, Big Food effectively uses its deep understanding of emotions and eating to put more calories into us. The psychology of overeating is a major focus of Big Food marketing. This book shows how to combine the control of emotional and impulsive overeating with exercise into a lifestyle.