Author: Joel Fuhrman, M.D.
Publisher: HarperOne
Source: TLC Book Tours
hard cover: 279 pages
"foodie" elements: Yes (also includes a chapter on Menus and Recipes).
random excerpt: The pomegranate is a unique ancient fruit borne on a small, long-living tree cultivated throughout Asia and the Mediterranean region, as far north as the Himalayas. As a result of the increasing recognition of its healthy benefits, it is now also grown in California and elsewhere in the southern United States. (p.77)
summary/synopsis (from TLC website): Falling victim to the latest cold, flu or virus circulating at the office, the kids’ school, or public transportation need not be an eventuality. Sick days can become a thing of the past by focusing on the right combination of nutritious foods that increase the body’s defense to colds, flu, heart disease, autoimmune disorders and cancer by boosting the strength of the immune system.
A leading expert in preventing and reversing disease and board-certified medical specialist, Dr. Fuhrman offers a proven program to boost immunity to superior levels to stay healthy and live longer with Super Immunity: The Essential Nutrition Guide for Boosting Your Body’s Defenses to Live Longer, Stronger, and Disease Free. Dr. Fuhrman’s compelling, yet easy-to-follow approach gets the body’s immune system working to its fullest potential and the body’s strongest defense.
Based on the latest scientific research, Super Immunity reveals how to become almost totally resistant to colds, influenza and other infections. If we do “catch” something, ‘super immunity’ provides us the ability to bounce back to wellness quickly, often within 24 hours. This means that we can prevent the complications of viral and bacterial exposures and stop them from evolving into more dangerous infections.
Due to unhealthy, nutrient deficient daily diets, far too many of us are living with severely depleted immune function. Our food choices are making us sicker, shortening our lives, and costing us billions of dollars on doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications. But more medical care is not the answer, according to Dr. Fuhrman; rather the best solution is changing the way we eat. The key is shifting away from highly processed foods, added sweeteners, animal fats and excessive amounts of protein, and reorienting our daily meals toward nutrient dense vegetables, fruits, beans and seeds that help our bodies produce critical immune-building compounds.
Dr. Fuhrman cites the latest science and compelling patient testimonials in Super Immunity. One study revealed that a 20% increase of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, kale, arugula, and cabbage corresponds to a 40% decrease in cancer rates. Patients who Dr. Fuhrman treats with ‘nutritional therapy’ report reversal of diseases such as cancer and lupus, and prevention of infections, colds, flu and allergies.
Super Immunity contains a wealth of information for better health, including the latest science on foods including soy, olive oil, nuts, and any other foods; the latest anti-cancer research; a list of super foods for super immunity; a two-week daily menu planner; and 85 delicious recipes. Dr. Fuhrman helps readers put the latest nutritional science into practice for improved health, increased longevity, and a powerful immune system.
My thoughts + a few highlights from the book : I'm going to be completely honest and tell you that I haven't gotten all the way through this book yet. It's not that I haven't had it long enough to read it, it's just that I can't seem to focus. I'm a bit skeptical when it comes to people telling me what to eat, what not to eat, cut this out of your diet and you won't get ___ disease. Even if it's a doctor doing the telling. I am skimming and reading bits and pieces here and there. Some of what Dr. Fuhrman recommends is fascinating, and I will implement it into my daily routine. Some things I know I won't. As in giving up cheese and dairy. I personally think my body needs this. I know my soul does. I may get some hate mail for saying this, but for me, it's true. But I will use this book as a reference and I will make my way through the entire book and try out some of the recipes eventually. I may pass it on to my mom first, though. She LOVES these kind of books. By no means am I saying that I don't think it's a fantastic resource...as a matter of fact, it'll probably become a bible of sorts to some. If you've read it, I would love to hear your opinion on it. If you want to read it, then please enter my giveaway at the end of this post. Since I didn't give you much to go on (by way of opinion), please check out this small excerpt from the book...
Eat This for Super immunity (Eat Your "GOMBBS" and follow the 5 Daily Rules). Super Immunity is created by a diet with a portfolio of immune systems-strengthening and cancer-fighting foods.
"GOMBBS" is a good way to remember these essentials:
1.) Greens
2.) Onions
3.) Mushrooms
4.) Berries
5.) Beans
6.) Seeds
5 Daily rules:
1.) Eat one large green salad every day (preferably two)
2.) Eat at least a half-cup serving of beans/legumes in soup, salad or a dish once daily
3.) Eat at least 3 fresh fruits a day, especially berries, pomegranate, cherries, plums, oranges
4.) Eat at least one ounce of raw nuts and seeds a day
5.) Eat at least one large (double-size) serving of steamed green vegetables daily.
And because you know I can't resist sharing a few of the recipes I'll be making from the book, here they are... Black Bean Brownies, Black Cherry Sorbet, Goji Chili Stew, Golden Australian Cauliflower Cream Soup, Rainbow Chopped Salad, Orange Cashame Dressing, "Cheesy" Kale Soup
about the author: Joel Fuhrman M.D. is a board-certified family physician who specializes in preventing and reversing disease through nutritional and natural methods. He is the author of numerous books, including Eat To Live: The Amazing Nutrient-Rich Program for Fast and Sustained Weight Loss. He is a graduate of the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Medicine and a member of the Board of Directors of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and the Director of Research of the Nutritional Research Project of the National Health Association. Dr. Fuhrman is also on the Science Advisory Board of Whole Foods Market.
He is the New York Times Bestselling Author of Eat to Live. Find him on Facebook, and follow him on Twitter.
Publisher: HarperOne
Source: TLC Book Tours
hard cover: 279 pages
"foodie" elements: Yes (also includes a chapter on Menus and Recipes).
random excerpt: The pomegranate is a unique ancient fruit borne on a small, long-living tree cultivated throughout Asia and the Mediterranean region, as far north as the Himalayas. As a result of the increasing recognition of its healthy benefits, it is now also grown in California and elsewhere in the southern United States. (p.77)
summary/synopsis (from TLC website): Falling victim to the latest cold, flu or virus circulating at the office, the kids’ school, or public transportation need not be an eventuality. Sick days can become a thing of the past by focusing on the right combination of nutritious foods that increase the body’s defense to colds, flu, heart disease, autoimmune disorders and cancer by boosting the strength of the immune system.
A leading expert in preventing and reversing disease and board-certified medical specialist, Dr. Fuhrman offers a proven program to boost immunity to superior levels to stay healthy and live longer with Super Immunity: The Essential Nutrition Guide for Boosting Your Body’s Defenses to Live Longer, Stronger, and Disease Free. Dr. Fuhrman’s compelling, yet easy-to-follow approach gets the body’s immune system working to its fullest potential and the body’s strongest defense.
Based on the latest scientific research, Super Immunity reveals how to become almost totally resistant to colds, influenza and other infections. If we do “catch” something, ‘super immunity’ provides us the ability to bounce back to wellness quickly, often within 24 hours. This means that we can prevent the complications of viral and bacterial exposures and stop them from evolving into more dangerous infections.
Due to unhealthy, nutrient deficient daily diets, far too many of us are living with severely depleted immune function. Our food choices are making us sicker, shortening our lives, and costing us billions of dollars on doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications. But more medical care is not the answer, according to Dr. Fuhrman; rather the best solution is changing the way we eat. The key is shifting away from highly processed foods, added sweeteners, animal fats and excessive amounts of protein, and reorienting our daily meals toward nutrient dense vegetables, fruits, beans and seeds that help our bodies produce critical immune-building compounds.
Dr. Fuhrman cites the latest science and compelling patient testimonials in Super Immunity. One study revealed that a 20% increase of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, kale, arugula, and cabbage corresponds to a 40% decrease in cancer rates. Patients who Dr. Fuhrman treats with ‘nutritional therapy’ report reversal of diseases such as cancer and lupus, and prevention of infections, colds, flu and allergies.
Super Immunity contains a wealth of information for better health, including the latest science on foods including soy, olive oil, nuts, and any other foods; the latest anti-cancer research; a list of super foods for super immunity; a two-week daily menu planner; and 85 delicious recipes. Dr. Fuhrman helps readers put the latest nutritional science into practice for improved health, increased longevity, and a powerful immune system.
My thoughts + a few highlights from the book : I'm going to be completely honest and tell you that I haven't gotten all the way through this book yet. It's not that I haven't had it long enough to read it, it's just that I can't seem to focus. I'm a bit skeptical when it comes to people telling me what to eat, what not to eat, cut this out of your diet and you won't get ___ disease. Even if it's a doctor doing the telling. I am skimming and reading bits and pieces here and there. Some of what Dr. Fuhrman recommends is fascinating, and I will implement it into my daily routine. Some things I know I won't. As in giving up cheese and dairy. I personally think my body needs this. I know my soul does. I may get some hate mail for saying this, but for me, it's true. But I will use this book as a reference and I will make my way through the entire book and try out some of the recipes eventually. I may pass it on to my mom first, though. She LOVES these kind of books. By no means am I saying that I don't think it's a fantastic resource...as a matter of fact, it'll probably become a bible of sorts to some. If you've read it, I would love to hear your opinion on it. If you want to read it, then please enter my giveaway at the end of this post. Since I didn't give you much to go on (by way of opinion), please check out this small excerpt from the book...
Eat This for Super immunity (Eat Your "GOMBBS" and follow the 5 Daily Rules). Super Immunity is created by a diet with a portfolio of immune systems-strengthening and cancer-fighting foods.
"GOMBBS" is a good way to remember these essentials:
1.) Greens
2.) Onions
3.) Mushrooms
4.) Berries
5.) Beans
6.) Seeds
5 Daily rules:
1.) Eat one large green salad every day (preferably two)
2.) Eat at least a half-cup serving of beans/legumes in soup, salad or a dish once daily
3.) Eat at least 3 fresh fruits a day, especially berries, pomegranate, cherries, plums, oranges
4.) Eat at least one ounce of raw nuts and seeds a day
5.) Eat at least one large (double-size) serving of steamed green vegetables daily.
And because you know I can't resist sharing a few of the recipes I'll be making from the book, here they are... Black Bean Brownies, Black Cherry Sorbet, Goji Chili Stew, Golden Australian Cauliflower Cream Soup, Rainbow Chopped Salad, Orange Cashame Dressing, "Cheesy" Kale Soup
He is the New York Times Bestselling Author of Eat to Live. Find him on Facebook, and follow him on Twitter.
Giveaway
*Update 10/10/11:
*Update 10/26/11: I never heard back from the winner I drew the first time, so I had a re-draw and congrats to Miranda!
*Update 10/18/11: I wanted to come back and tell you that I did finish reading this book a few days after I first posted my thoughts. I still feel basically the same way. I think it's a fantastic resource. For some. Others may not like it. That's the thing with books on diet and regimen, they are very "personal" ...resonating to the core for some. This wasn't that one for me, but I will definitely take something away from Dr. Fuhrman's teachings. And let me add, that in general, I do use books likes this as reference. I don't get swept away in the words very often. Just me. The way I am.
*I received a free copy of this book to review from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions stated in this post are 100% mine.
I understand how you feel about the book. I think I'd feel the same way. I can appreciate what they're saying, but there is no way I could go without certain foods, especially cheese.
ReplyDeleteI love trying interesting eating techniques, from raw foods, to macrobiotic, etc. I never just stick to one but take things from here and there to add to my diet. I would love to check out what this guy has to say!
ReplyDeleteI would love a chance to read the book~it actually sounds pretty interesting to me=)
ReplyDeleteThanks bunches!
Luvdaylilies at bellsouth dot net
I'm with you on the cheese and dairy - um, I don't think so Doctor. I have heard of him though and I am intrigued by the whole super foods concept. I would love to read it.
ReplyDeleteAlways so interested in Super Food articles and always wonder; who should be believe? Still makes for an interesting read.
ReplyDeleteRita
I love this series you're doing. This book sounds interesting. I don't think I'd adopt the regime as such, but I do think the foods he mentions are ones to eat more of. I like the GOMBBS memory aid...I'll say it to myself as I roll down the grocery aisles!
ReplyDeletelots of great info!
ReplyDeleteYes - have ready many articles suggesting I give up cheese. And no. But I do believe you do need your greens and oranges and red and yellows to maintain a healthy body! Easy on the sugar, heavy on the plants!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you...1000% skeptical of books like this! The way I see it is such. I get sick exactly two to three times a year. My brother and parents get sick exactly every week. Therefore I feel like I'm doing something right by basing my diet around fruits and veggies but still incorporating cheese. Am I going to change it even if someone discovers that cheese is the root of all evil? No. End of story.
ReplyDeleteLoved your review heather!
I would LOVE to read it!!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you found some parts of the book useful even if you don't agree with everything (I know I couldn't give up diary totally either!).
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts on this one for the tour!
Sounds like an interesting book. I think everyone is a bit different in terms of the ways food effects them. I cut a lot of dairy out of my life due to allergies and asthma and save my dairy "credits" ;-) mostly for occasional cheese splurges. I notice a big difference when I over-indulge in dairy but not so much when I keep it in moderation. Having it now and then makes me happy--also very good for the immune system! ;-)
ReplyDeleteLooks like a book I need to get.
ReplyDeleteI have recently been getting into holistic therapy. This looks like a good resource for that.
ReplyDeleteWhat we eat really effect the way that we feel and even fight off illnesses.
ReplyDeleteI love these kinds of books! Great review.
ReplyDeleteLooks like an easy and healthy eating plan to fallow.
ReplyDeleteGreat resource.
ReplyDeleteFirst, I would like to say that I like the book. I also read and used his other book "Eat to Live" and lost more than 20 pounds and counting. I wasn't very overweight but I didn't feel like me. I loved cheese, (the smellier the better, I am talking real cheese not the other stuff) well I guess I still do but don't eat it much anymore. I guess I am vegan now, but don't care for labels anyway. Sometimes, very rarely, I accommodate my girlfriend and eat some cheese, something she cooked or cook an omelet for us. I am not religious, so no big deal. But the thing is, the info in the book makes sense to me and it seems to work (have not got sick since I started) so you can ignore it altogether or think that you take what you want from it if you think that you understand it enough to pick your poison. In any case, you have to read the book to actually have an opinion that counts for something, don't just fool yourself thinking that you kind of get the point. If it is not for you fine, but don't deprive yourself of knowledge or at least some educated and interesting opinions. Unfortunately, I think most of us don't want to leave our "comfort zone" even it kills us. There is plenty of veggies and healthy foods out there that I didn't know, and so many culinary possibilities to enjoy and discover that I don't miss eating meat or animal products.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, what I don't understand, is you giving the book a 2 star rating in the GoodEats website. You say that you didn't quite finish the book. You don't seem to be against the book or have anything negative to say about it, except your skepticism about people telling you what to eat, even if it is a doctor. It seems that you agree with Dr. Fuhrman on that, he doesn't seem to agree with most doctors (or the FDA) either. You also have a website where you tell people things to eat and comment about books that tell you what to eat. Go figure. Anyway, seems like a nice website, keep having fun.
@Anonymous...thanks so much for your thoughts. I definitely think you're right on when you say "don't deprive yourself of knowledge". Never! I do sometimes find myself going into a book like this with pre-conceived notions. I was not trying to fool anybody (myself included), which was why I stated that I was not yet finished with the book. I did make my way through it, though it just couldn't hold my interest entirely. But this is "me" when it comes to "diet/regimen" books.
ReplyDeleteWhile I did say I couldn't give up cheese (since I don't have to), I don't condemn anybody who does give it up...for health, personal, or any reason. I think each person...each body...has to find what works for them.
The 2 rating came after I plugged through it. I don't disagree with doctors in general. My doctor is a very cool guy. If you are around here enough, you know that I speak tongue in cheek quite often. Many doctors (perhaps most) are not unreasonable.
My website is a personal blog where I talk about things I enjoy...or don't. In no way am I trying to talk anybody into liking or disliking anything. Or distrusting a doctor's opinion. I don't claim to be an expert on nutrition or any one diet...other than everything in moderation.
Again, it's all a personal opinion blog. I really do appreciate your comments on things and giving me a look from another point of view. And thank you, I will keep having fun.
@ girlchef. I am sorry, I realize now that my response sounded directed at you personally. Actually, only the rating part was, the rest was intended as a general comment. And believe me, I am not an expert in nutrition, far from it. And I didn't mean to sound preachy, but I think people should take a closer look at the book rather than just browse through it. I think is worth it.
ReplyDeleteIn regards to doctors. I like mine too, even though I rather not see him often. :-)
@Anonymous... =) Understood. I admire fire and passion in anybody. And yeah, ditto on the doc sentiments.
ReplyDeleteWhat we eat is so important and can really effect our health.
ReplyDeleteI have been getting into homeopathic remedies. This book looks like a great resource.
ReplyDeleteWe are what we eat and if it is healthy thing that we eat than we will be healthy.
ReplyDeleteYou do know that homeopathic remedies are a farce, right? I hope you are talking about naturopathic remedies.
ReplyDelete