Vital Health Facts and Composition of Foods: An Essential Guide to Vitamin and Mineral Needs, Weight Control and More

PREFACE By Kathy A. Detweiler, M.A., R.D. Kathy A. Detweiler is a registered dietitian with a Master's degree in Nutrition Education. She Is a member of the American Dietetic Association, Pennsylvania and Philadelphia Dietetic Associations and Society for Nutrition Education. Currently she is in private practice, counseling patients on an individual basis and consulting for long-term care facilities.

It is refreshing to find a book with the single purpose of presenting health facts. There are no gimmicks, no hidden agendas, no products to sell. The Information is given to provide a basis for an individual to make Intelligent decisions about their health.

The Krimmels don't tell you what to do, but provide knowledge about nutrition and health that every person can use to modify their diet and to enhance their health status in ways that are appropriate for them. So often we are told what to do and everyone can improve his/her health immediately, as if passing under a magic wand. In reality, everyone is an individual and the choices that we make for our health are just that - individual choices.

This book is meant to be a wealth of information to further educate ourselves so we can take care of ourselves. From a straight forward explanation of the nutrients we need for healthy cells, to the foods composition table which concludes the book, the information is concise, useful and health-ful.

Over 100 Health Information Free 800 number Hotlines In the book are an avenue In themselves to more help and support, especially for those with a specific health problem. The easier it is to reach out for help the more likely one is to do so. Calling an 800 number surely is easy, convenient and inexpensive.

The authors list the basic nutrients with their purposes and continue with the simple truth of weight control with an Interesting activity for estimating how many calories you need daily. Vitamins and minerals are described in detail with their functions, sources and related deficiencies. Guidance for the decision to take supplements is provided. The importance of fiber and the types of fiber are clarified. Water is sometimes the forgotten nutrient, but not here. The many functions of water are explained and it is clear why our cells require this nutrient.

A very important skill, I believe, is being able to calculate the percent of calories from fat in a food. This concept is thoroughly explained. The calculation is very easily made although some people don't believe this until they have repeatedly used the equation to become familiar with it and can then use it with ease.

The composition of foods table clearly tells you the calorie content and grams of fat in each food. Browse through the foods table, become familiar with it and keep it handy for looking up foods. As you gradually increase your knowledge of what your diet consists of, and how you might like to change your diet, it will become easier to make the choices for yourself!

The journey toward good health should not be a chancy experience. You need reliable information. The Vital Health Facts can be an essential contribution to your health-ful journey.