Nutrition in Essence (Sarah Bearden, Hodder Arnold, 2007, ISBN: 978-0-340-92730-4) is an ideal resource for those who wish to learn about nutrition and how to improve overall health through changing the way they eat. This book is particularly relevant in today's society where there are both high levels of childhood obesity and at the same time a sharp rise in the incidence of eating disorders.
Nutrition in Essence – Author Sarah Bearden
Author of Nutrition in Essence, Sarah Bearden, is a highly experienced nutrition consultant, a natural foods chef and a practitioner of nutritional medicine. Bearden also holds a Master of Science degree in Holistic Nutrition and runs a successful nutrition consultation practice. In addition, she has taught nutrition in both America and Europe.
Book Overview of Nutrition in Essence
Nutrition in Essence is divided into four key parts, each of which covers different aspects of nutrition, including the following:
- Part one: Nutrition – the basics
- Part two: Nutrients in food
- Part three: How the body processes food
- Part four: Nutritional issues
While part one takes a look at the benefits of eating a wholefood diet and supplements, the second part covers different nutrients found in food such as macro-nutrients and micro-nutrients. Part three identifies how the body processes food, clearly explaining both digestion and detoxification.
Understanding Nutritional Issues – Nutrition Affects Health
One of the most useful sections of Nutrition in Essence focuses on how what we eat has a large impact on physical and mental health and general well-being. Key areas that are explored and related to how nutrition affects health include the following:
- blood sugar levels – diabetes type one/two, keeping blood sugar stable
- stress management – nutritional help for stress
- weight loss – cravings, good fats, thyroid problems, nutrition for weight loss
- women's health – premenstrual syndrome, menopause, migraines, depression
- cardiovascular health – arteries, atherosclerosis, cholesterol, lipoproteins
- immune system – antibodies, healthy flora, wholefoods, food allergies
- ageing and skin health – anti-ageing, antioxidants, free radicals, acne, dry skin
The information provided on women's health issues is especially helpful, as it provides ways of changing dietary intake to help combat a range of common conditions such as premenstrual syndrome, menopausal symptoms, migraine headaches and depression. However, it is important to seek medical advice when symptoms are causing concern, particularly when suffering from signs associated with depression, where antidepressant medication and therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy and cognitive analytical therapy can make a huge difference.
As highlighted above, Nutrition in Essence by Sarah Bearden is an extremely helpful resource for anyone wishing to learn more about nutrition and eating a wholefood diet. The book is especially useful for those affected by low blood sugar, diabetes, stress, premenstrual syndrome, menopausal symptoms, dry skin, heart problems, migraines, depression or food cravings.
Book Reviewed:
Bearden, Sarah. Nutrition in Essence. London: Hodder Arnold, 2007. ISBN: 978-0-340-92730-4
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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