Alternative Medicine Books about vitamin
What are vitamins?
A Vitamin is an organic molecule required by a living organism in minute amounts for proper health. An organism deprived of all sources of a particular vitamin will eventually suffer from disease symptoms specific to that vitamin.
Vitamins can be classified as either water soluble, which means they dissolve easily in water, or fat soluble, which means they are absorbed through the intestinal tract with the help of lipids. In general, an organism must obtain vitamins or their metabolic precursors from outside the body, most often from the organism's diet. Examples of vitamins that the human body can derive from precursors include vitamin A, which can be produced from beta carotene; niacin from the amino acid tryptophan; and vitamin D through exposure of skin to ultraviolet light. The term vitamin does not encompass other essential nutrients such as dietary minerals, essential fatty acids, or essential amino acids, nor is it used for the large number of other nutrients that merely promote health, but are not strictly essential. The word vitamin was coined by the Polish biochemist Casimir Funk in 1912. Vita in Latin is life and the -amin suffix is short for amine; at the time it was thought that all vitamins were amines. Though this is now known to be incorrect, the name has stuck. |
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© 2006 by Dave Taylor: Content from Amazon and Wikipedia
an Intuitive Systems site
Section One deals with the theories of aging and ends by delving into the various body systems that are affected by the aging process.
Section Two goes into the endocrine system. Entire chapters are devoted to growth hormone, melatonin, oestrogen, testosterone and thyroid hormone. The authors give us the facts on how these hormones affect or are affected by the aging process. Supplementation is mentioned, but the authors made no attempt to "sell" anything.
Section Three deals with nutritional supplements. The list is quite exhaustive and make a very good reference for anyone considering supplementation. Here again, the reviews are quite balanced. No "miracle" nutrients and contraindications are mentioned as well.
Section Four deals with lifestyle factors in anti-aging. Topics include diet, detox, exercises, anti-stress tips, skin care and protection from pollutants. A lot of unsurprising, unsensational yet sound advice here.
Section Five gives us insight into what some health gurus do to stay fit and healthy. It won't be easy for any of us holding a fulltime job in the city to follow. There is also mention of stem cell research and other cool stuff that will be coming our way soon.
Section Six provides a glossary and some references as well as a directory of anti-aging resources.
The greatest thing about this book, is that it is "scientifically" written by 2 doctors who live up to their professional training. Aimed only at informing and educating the reader, it provides nothing sensationally pro this or anti that. If you can only afford one book on this topic, buy this one.