I found this book three years ago in a health food store. Soon after that, I attended a "nutrition and awareness" retreat and a "healing with whole foods" course given by the author. Since then I have gradually incorporated more and more of the knowledge and principles presented in this book into my life. I have recovered from severe anemia and deficiency that I inflicted upon myself as a result of my ignorance and arrogant attitude about health and nutrition. I have learned how to prepare and cook foods in a healthy way. I have become acutely aware of the numerous toxins and pathogens that we are all exposed to on a daily basis. I have cleaned up my body and my environment and continue to make more improvements as time goes on. Paul Pitchford and his book set me on this road toward greater self-awareness and personal responsibility. The author's presentation is very balanced, offering basic knowledge of eastern and western perspectives on diet and health that support the needs of vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. The book achieves its purpose of serving as a complete and thorough reference on the health-producing attributes of whole foods. It contains no fads, no hype, only essential information for living as well as we can in our very toxic world.

This book literally changed my life! I was desperately seeking an alternative to doctors and drugs and happened to choose this book at the bookstore. I couldn't put it down. The Oriental approach was fascinating and captivating. I've applied what I learned and my health and life has dramatically improved. I no longer rely on modern Western medicine. I feel that I am in charge of my own health through eating properly. I have read it cover to cover once, but I am (almost daily!) constantly referring back to it for information on certain foods and their effect on our condition. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in taking charge of their own life and spirituality and health.

This book is amazing, Paul Pitchford is amazing and I am going to give away all of my other books on food and nutrition. Mr Pitchford comes from a place of such clarity and truth that this book is just a joy to have and to read and to reference. I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in their health and the health of their family.