I checked this book out from the library to preview it before buying. Having adjusted myself to reading scientific articles I may no longer be able to enjoy the informal approach to sharing information. Regardless of my need for citations, I would not recommend this book to the casual reader because it is poorly written and dogmatic.

Part one of the book is meant to lay out the guiding principles of the nutrient dense eating plan, but the entire 15 chapters are written like an introduction, leaving the reader waiting for the actual discussion of these principles. He does pepper some insightful facts into his long-winded and poorly organized narrative, but these are unconnected, unsubstantiated, and undeveloped.

For instance, in a section summarizing a series of studies that suggest that organic food is more nutritious than conventional food, he says, “[a]nother European study, also published in 2002, found higher levels of naturally occurring, asprinlike compound, salicylic acid, in organic vegetable soup compared with soup made from nonorganic vegetables.” (pg 36)

Three things strike me about this sentence. First Dr. Margel doesn’t explain why higher salicylic levels in food would be beneficial or desirable. And while I have heard of doctors prescribing an aspirin a day as a blood thinner, I can’t imagine doctors prescribing an aspirin a day for everyone. Second, why were they comparing soups and not the vegetables themselves? Were the soups made from the same ingredients and proportions, or was the study more interested in the nutritional value in commercially available, premade products (which would mean there may be another explanation for higher salicylic acid levels). And finally he doesn’t cite the study well enough for me to look it up, which may not bother most people but I’m still curious why they were testing soups.

This loose usage of studies continues in part two, which is set up as a reference guide for nutrients and benefits of specific foods. In a discussion of tea, Dr. Margel states, “studies have shown a wide range of benefits, including antibacterial properties, antioxidant capabilites…” (pg 176) What bothers me here is that he neglects to address the assumptions and limitations of these studies. Maybe they tested tea’s antibacterial properties on mice, or maybe it was tested on humans, but only women. The mere existence of a study isn’t proof, and I would appreciate any author to present his/her information in a way that accepts the uncertain and changing nature of science.

In summary, I find Dr. Margel’s wordy writing style difficult to get through, and his facts incomplete and questionably applicable. This may be a good book for someone beginning their journey as a healthier eater (certainly his three principles of whole foods, organic foods, and eating the color wheel of vegetables is sound if not well explained), but take it with a grain of salt

Rating: 2 / 5

Doug Margel’s book is a “must read” for people trying to make sense out of the piles of information (and mis-information) in the field of nutrition. This book is chock-full of insights and common, practical wisdom without the hype. I highly recommend this book to everyone, particularly if your searching for a guide that can help you restore yourself back to a healty balance.
Rating: 5 / 5