Eat for Life: The Breakthrough Nutrient-Rich Program for Longevity, Disease Reversal, and Sustained Weight Loss Paperback – December 29, 2020

I had held off reading this book, thinking it would be a rehash of Dr. Fuhrman’s previous books.Not so. It is a fine, fine recap of earlier teachings plus much more.His books always carry intriguing concepts and terms, suggestive ones such as “aromatase inhibitors” and “ellagic acids.”In this volume we find striking terms: telomere erosion, gene silencing, insulin packaging, dopaminergic neuron loss, heterocyclic amines, DNA methylation, anxiolytic depression, down-regulated detoxification, thermogenic stimulants, glycotoxins, and intramyocellular lipids.Exotic new nutrients are mentioned: terpenes, diterpenes, tocopherols.We are strongly made aware of certain dangers: oxidized LDL, over-supplementation, excess salt in the diet, low IGF-1 levels in seniors, excessive fish oil, when cholesterol can be too low, and the triage hypothesis.We are also given key points for health: the critical role of zinc, the ‘second meal effect’ of beans, how certain sprouts/ baby greens are more effective than the mature version; and five fundamental supplementation needs.This book really gets down to biological nuts and bolts: we read of cell mitochondria, in which hydrogen ions and electrons transfer energy. We learn that the surfaces of our cells have cave-like structures called caveolins, that bind and uptake insulin.A dozen increasingly dramatic personal accounts are carried, with full names (so they seem more credible than a personal narrative with just a first name.)Some critical points: rather than the repetitive chapter summaries, I would rather see more inspirational personal narratives. The chapter on salt danger almost seems to have been copied and pasted directly from Dr. Fuhrman’s “The End of Heart Disease.” Dr. Fuhrman says frozen quality foods are okay, but the millennials-old Ayurvedic teachings on food would consider frozen foods and leftovers to be dead food. Finally, judging by this book, people seem to be awash in research studies. Some are 10, 15, and even 26 years long. The latter especially seems a bit implausible in light of population mobility and research organization turnover.

Dr. Fuhrman presents a way of eating, that he calls "nutritarian", that can truly change your life. It's not a diet gimmick and is based on in-depth scientific literature and his clinical experience over many decades. In many ways he is the true scientist, dissecting the medical studies that have been done, and relaying his findings from decades of clinical experience. Nothing perhaps is revolutionary or "new" in terms of the individual components of being a "nutritarian" but to criticize the book for that would be missing the point of his work.What he does so well is to comprehensively explain the nutritarian diet, the science behind it, what supplements you'll need to take as a vegan or near vegan, and much more. Besides having a vast knowledge of nutrition he also has a deep knowledge as an MD and one gets the sense he is a compassionate doctor par excellence. He also understands well the psychology of how you can move from less ideal dietary habits and years of poorer dietary habits to the nutritarian way, and he has practical step-by-step advice on how to do this having worked on this challenge with thousands of people.The wealth of recipes in his books and on his website show how well you can eat, from very simple to very gourmet, delicious meals.This book contains the latest information on nutrition, eating for longevity and quality of life, and how to maximize your immunity. If you're willing to read through it carefully, and take the effort to understand, at least to some degree, the technical information presented, then you should buy this book.He is an excellent writer and has written a number of other books that are complimentary and go into more specialized areas.

Great information, easy to read & it has recipes.

Fantastic book. Great author. Best ideas for living the healthiest life. I highly recommend!!

I'm not sure who the target audience really is for this book(?) The book was very hard to get through! As someone with a somewhat scientific background I quickly became exhausted with all the studies (and data) that was referenced!! I'm sure it's meant to prove and convince the reader, using the science as evidence, for the need for eating a nutritious diet. However the average person neither understands (gets lost in the many details), nor is really interested in the specifics of the scientific trials. Perhaps only summary points and/or key points should have been given in the chapter (similar to what was provided in the Summary at the end of the chapters - I found this section to be perfect!) The Scientific data and or study information should then be placed in an Appendix for those interested in the specifics. NO DOUBT there is great information given in this book, however over time reading all the other information distracts you from what you should really focus on. Anyone who picks up this book, and is struggling with health or weight issues, really wants to get to the bottom line - quickly. They are not looking to add frustration and boredom to their symptoms! -- All this being said, Dr. Furhman is awesome and has a wealth of knowledge to share. He obviously loves his science, however it may be best shared with other scientists :) -- Still a recommended read.