Product Description

The book presents a comprehensive introduction to the basic principles of nutrition, together with its application through the life cycle and in a variety of life situations. The application of nutrition in the protection of health and its promotion is also discussed throughout. The book involves the reader in thinking about their own nutrition, to facilitate learning. Topics covered are relevant to students on a variety of courses that include nutrition. This includes students on health related courses who need to understand how nutrition is related to the development of dieases that afflict Western populations, and what can be done to minimise the risks of developing such diseases. Students on food and catering- related courses will also find this book of relevance. The informed layperson who wishes to understand more of the nutrition information available in the media will find explanation in the book.

Topical issues such as food allergy, fluid intakes, sports nutrition, functional foods and nutrients that occur as supplements are covered in a clear and readable style.

The text is interspersed wuth study questions and diagrams to engage and maintain the reader's attention. Scientific explanations are provided in an accessible manner to help understanding and clarify principles. The flow of the information builds up from methods of studying nutrition and essential principles about the structure of the diet, through an exploration of the functions of all the nutrients.

The basic knowledge can then be applied in a study of the major life stages, and the challenges that might threaten nutritional status. Issues related to major diseases in the West such as coronary heart disease and cancer are focussed on, in relation to the links with nutrition. Finally, the concept of optimizing nutrition is considered, together with a discussion of nutrition policy and related health promotion issues. (20030901)

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #33144 in Books
• Published on: 2003-08-29
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 416 pages

Review
A well-presented, reader-friendly format. Ideal for use in course units on Diet and Health, Social Nutrition, Food and Health and Health Care and Public Health (Ms J Thompson, Bradford and Ilkley Community Colle )

This comprehensive and comprehensible book is appropriate for any undergraduate student taking human nutrition as part of their programme...a useful addition to the bookshelf of university lecturers and schoolteachers working in this field...a valuable and up-to-date resource for all those working in the area or simply interested in nutrition. (Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics )

About the Author
Mary E. Barasi BA, BSc, MSc, R. Nutr.
Principal Lecturer in Nutrition, University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, UK

Customer Reviews

Excellent Basic Nutrition Book
Was made to buy this for a college course, but found it a really interesting and useful book. A well laid out book with good diagrams for those not biologically minded and clear and concise jargon free information. Would most definately recommend for anyone studying nutrition or just interested in what they are eating, or what they actually need to eat.

Mastery in obfuscation
If there is one word to describe the writing in this book is "lazy". The writer has not bothered to take the reader into account, uses unclear sentences and an excessive use of nouns when a verb would have done fine. Example: "there has been recognition among nutritionists that [much of the dietary intake data that are collected contain an element of underreporting]" - what is wrong with "nutritionists have recognized that..."? ("nutritionists have recognized that dietary intake data suffers from underreporting by the people surveyed", for example?) And the book is full of it. Many sentences are followed by others that apparently contradict the first.
In short, not at all a user- (student-)friendly book. If you want good information palatably served up, look elsewhere.

How long till the 2nd edition!
I'm presently finishing a nutrition degree course, and found this book one of the best available, especially at the price. It comprehensively covers the subject, and is very easy to understand, it is also laid out with thought and clarity. The only drawback is that it was published in the mid-nineties and with the advances in biology and science today, may be soon out of date on certain topics, is the 2nd edition around the corner?