The Complete Illustrated Guide to Vitamins and Minerals

Great book with lots of information and guidance. A must read for anyone interested in improving there health.

I love books like this: they have a larger print, colorful pictures, specific pictures of items under discussion, boxed information, and attractive layout. "The Complete Illustrated Guide to Vitamins and Minerals" tells you right in the title what to expect when you open this book. And open it you will, time and time again. In fact, I recommend this as a coffee table book as ready reference. Out of sight, out of mind, On the table, makes you able (to use it again and again). After a general introduction, the book begins with a delightful summary of Vitamin A found in retinol (liver, eggs, butter, and fish oils) and beta-carotene (dark orange vegetables, dark green leafy vegetables and fruits). It is known as the "vision vitamin" because of its importance in eyesight, and the "anti-infective vitamin" because of its importance in membrane integrity (wherever linings occur). One chart shows how much Vitamin A is needed in a day for various age groups; another chart lists foods rich in retinol and and another rich in beta-caratene. Such simplicity of use in easy-to-understand language. The next two pages describe how the vitamin works, including a chart of functions and another chart of deficiency symptoms. A case study indicates the effects of deficiency and how compensating can improve function. Pictures show carrots, the richest source of carotene, oily fish and cod liver oil capsules, both rich in Vitamin A as dietary supplements. These detailed pages show what the rest of the book is like: enjoyable, informative, beneficial. Here are some random facts: *Did you know that barley and barley products are very rich in selenium, required for a good growth rate. *Iodine is named for a deep purple color in Greek and its product from kelp, a seaweed. Plain yogurt is a natural source. *Boron can be found in red wine, part of the Mediterranean diet. *String beans, spinach, and tomatoes are rich in Vitamin K, necessary in blood-clotting factors. For more information, seek out "The Complete Illusrated Guide to Vitamins and Minerals." You will be glad--and healthier!