A helpful resource to have around

This book is an A-Z listing of Dr. Cooper's recommendations for vitamins, minerals, specific foods, supplemental foods, disease conditions, and related items. For each item, Cooper gives the following: Basic Nutritional Therapy, Extra Scientific Information, Special Food Sources, Therapy Recommendations, and Cross-References to related entries.

The information is presented in an easy to understand format. A table of context gives the page numbers for each entry. However, it is hard to find items by flipping though the pages as the publisher did not put identifying markers at the top of each page, like the item or letter covered on the page. So one has to keep turning pages to where the next entry begins to find out where in the alphabet you are. And flipping back and forth to the table of contents is tedious.

But these format problems aside, the information presented is rather good. Cooper provides sound recommendations on each of the items. And the scientific research given enables the reader to decide for yourself if Cooper's recommendations are correct. In fact, this research is so helpful that I cite some of it in my book "Creationist Diet: Nutrition and God-given Foods According to the Bible." I also have referred back to Cooper's book many times for personal information.

For instance, I have multiple allergies. And I have read in several "natural healing" sources that licorice is good for allergies. But I am glad I read Cooper's entry on licorice before trying it. He cites evidence that taking licorice for prolonged periods in the amounts I've seen recommended can raise one's blood pressure. As a result, Cooper recommends, "that everyone stay away from it" (p.273). And I think I will head this advice. I don't need high blood pressure on top of my allergies!

Rating: