Free radicals are molecules that leech electrons from other molecules; oxidation--burning or rusting, for example--involves such a process. A kind of biological oxidation is largely responsible for aging and many immunologic and degenerative diseases: smoking, eating fats and not exercising foster free radicals, while certain vitamins, called anti-oxidants, apparently neutralize them. How to make use of these facts to one's advantage, however, remains scientifically uncertain. The Kronhausens, retired psychologists, collaborate with medical researcher Demopoulos in advising the ingestion of large amounts of pure anti-oxidants (once called megavitamins). Their "formula" is a case of gross oversimplification: vitamins as panacea, all else as toxic. They overstate their case at great rambling length (cursorily discussing hypnosis and homelessness, en route); make irresponsible dietary recommendations (e.g., advising the elimination of salt from homecooked meals, which should then--incongruously--be salted to taste); and cite countless preliminary, inconclusive or contradictory studies (after dosing themselves with the natural aphrodisiac yohimbine, the authors report that they were "wittier than usual").
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Library Journal
According to the authors, the proper use of vitamins will help to combat the oxidation within the body, which causes the release of free radical compounds. Oxidation and free radicals are responsible for much of the "normal" aging process, as well as pathological conditions such as cancer, atherosclerosis, and diabetes. The authors have created a comprehensive lifestyle program which purports to keep the body functioning at optimum levels into its nineties and beyond. They outline a well-balanced diet, very high in fiber from a variety of sources, and almost no fat at all, that provides the recommended antioxidant vitamin regimen. While the regimen has not been endorsed by the medical establishment (high praise to some), the diet and exercise programs cannot do any harm. Sure to be popular with the same audience that made Durk Pearson and Sandy Shaw's Life Extension: A Practical Scientific Approach ( LJ 6/15/82) a best seller; public libraries will want to buy accordingly.
- Susan B. Hagloch, Tuscarawas Cty. P.L., New Philadelphia, Ohio
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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