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A review by lessonz
Perfect Health Diet: Regain Health and Lose Weight by Eating the Way You Were Meant to Eat by Paul Jaminet
Did not finish book.
First, I couldn't finish it, and I ended up browsing and skimming. If you feel that doesn't qualify me to review it, please stop reading now.
The science in this book is questionable, and its conclusions are complete leaps. For example the assertion is made we can use starvation to examine what should make up a healthy diet. Proportions are given for a human body's constituent nutrients, and the conclusion is reached this must be pretty close to a healthy diet. I saw no mention of the, what I believe is established, fact that the body preferentially canabalizes muscle and how that might influence the hypothesis. At one point the China Study is referenced to bolster the anti-gluten argument. I believe the China Studay was heavily critical of cholestoral (though I may be mistaken), but that's just completely ignored.
These are just examples and there are many more. Though to be fair, I refused to look at the notes, which are on the authors' website. Maybe all of the science is explained there.
Every few pages the reader is treated to "Reader Reports". This is nothing more than anecdotal evidence. So, if you love testimonials, you'll love these.
And, this was the gem that finally had me put the book down: "The difference between eating rice and wheat could account for most of the IQ difference between Asians and Americans!"
To be clear, I am not saying the diet presented is bad or unhealthy. I'm saying if it is healthy, the material failed to convince me.
If you, like me, were looking for real science, look elsewhere. Even accounting for the intended audience, I'm not sure any of the material in here is even close to being printable in any scientific journal. If instead you're looking for another diet to try or you enjoy confirmation bias for a "primal"-type diet, maybe you'll enjoy this.
The science in this book is questionable, and its conclusions are complete leaps. For example the assertion is made we can use starvation to examine what should make up a healthy diet. Proportions are given for a human body's constituent nutrients, and the conclusion is reached this must be pretty close to a healthy diet. I saw no mention of the, what I believe is established, fact that the body preferentially canabalizes muscle and how that might influence the hypothesis. At one point the China Study is referenced to bolster the anti-gluten argument. I believe the China Studay was heavily critical of cholestoral (though I may be mistaken), but that's just completely ignored.
These are just examples and there are many more. Though to be fair, I refused to look at the notes, which are on the authors' website. Maybe all of the science is explained there.
Every few pages the reader is treated to "Reader Reports". This is nothing more than anecdotal evidence. So, if you love testimonials, you'll love these.
And, this was the gem that finally had me put the book down: "The difference between eating rice and wheat could account for most of the IQ difference between Asians and Americans!"
To be clear, I am not saying the diet presented is bad or unhealthy. I'm saying if it is healthy, the material failed to convince me.
If you, like me, were looking for real science, look elsewhere. Even accounting for the intended audience, I'm not sure any of the material in here is even close to being printable in any scientific journal. If instead you're looking for another diet to try or you enjoy confirmation bias for a "primal"-type diet, maybe you'll enjoy this.