David Grotto has abandoned the all-or-nothing approach in this book as he found people are able to make small changes as long as they still have something to look forward to in their meals. His basic idea is to modify lifestyle, i.e. including a number of highly-beneficial foods, limiting intake of less-desirable items, and taking every opportunity to walk or move.
This book incorporates a wealth of information. Each food listed has a history, where it is grown, uses as home remedy, and effects on specific diseases, such as cancer. Also covered is selection, storage, preparation, serving suggestions, and a recipe.
About the Author
David Grotto was a practicing registered dietitian for more than 20 years. He hosted a live, nutrition-focused radio show, Let’s Talk Health, for over 10 years. In 2000, he was the national spokesperson for the American Dietetics Association.
Food Examples and Their Benefits
David’s list of foods ranges from acai (a berry from a palm tree in Brazil) to whey (hey, don’t judge until you try it!). Some you won’t have heard of and others are not ones you will try. However, as indicated in the list below, some are common everyday fare and easily consumed more frequently.
- Apples really can help keep that doctor away. However, bear in mind that two-thirds of the fiber and almost all antioxidants reside in the peel. They are also high in fiber and phytochemicals (i.e. phenolics, carotenoids, and flavonoids). David’s list of benefits includes protection against heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
- Cabbage is high in vitamin C and fiber. The red variety has anthocyanins, the same phytochemical found in blueberries and beets. It is interesting that sauerkraut was an excellent source of vitamins K and C, plus good amounts of folate, potassium, iron and fiber. Unfortunately, it is also high in sodium. Cabbage has been shown as possibly protecting against cancer, the avian (bird) flu, and ulcers.
- Peanuts are comparable to fruit in antioxidant levels. Roasting can increase the polyphenol levels. The nut also is a good source of resveratrol, the same antioxidant in red wine. Peanuts appear to be good for your heart and may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and colon cancer.
- Sweet potatoes have high amounts of vitamin A and beta-carotene. They are good sources of vitamin C, B6, manganese, potassium, and fiber. Although the orange pulp is common in the U.S., there are also white-fleshed and purple-fleshed varieties. A study on humans showed sweet potatoes in the diet improved insulin resistance. Cognitive function was also improved using the purple-fleshed variety. The beta-carotene in sweet potatoes appears to lower breast cancer rates.
Try Using Different Colors of Fruits and Vegetables
As indicated above, this book advocates including many different colors of the fruits and vegetables in our diet which Mother always said to eat. This advice is now widely accepted by experts across the board and this volume includes interesting and valuable information that act as motivation to finally do it.
Source:
Grotto, David. 101 Foods That Could Save Your Life. Bantam Dell, 2008
Peggy Williams - After 20 years in the workplace, I returned to school recently and graduated in May '08 with a Bachelors degree in Dietetics and ...
