Sugars That Heal: The New Healing Science of Glyconutrients

by Emil I. Mondoa, Mindy Kitei

It isn't often that you find the words sugar and heal together when discussing health matters, but Dr. Emil Mondoa is working hard to change that. As founder of the Glyconutrients Research Foundation and author (along with Mindy Kitei) of Sugars That Heal, he has found that the addition of essential sugars to your diet can affect everything from the immune system to cholesterol levels. But this doesn't mean you should start heaping table sugar on every meal! Rather, Mondoa proposes that through the use of a few simple supplements, you may be able to fight off colds, lower your blood pressure, or simply have more energy.

Mondoa is cautious when mixing research with anecdote and praise. While some people benefit tremendously from supplements, he points out that "many supplements aren't well absorbed or assimilated and are of doubtful efficacy." He later goes on to recommend consultations with your health care provider before beginning any of his specific regimens. The sources for these sugar-based supplements vary from shellfish to mushrooms, onions, and bovine tracheal cartilage, and he cautions against using the supplements without checking the ingredients, as those with allergies can experience serious reactions. Mondoa does include a few simple recipes for mushroom tea and vegetable sauce, but most of the glyconutrients are added to your diet through pills, powders, or tinctures; contact information for supplement sources is found at the end of the book. Specific chapters on the immune system, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, and cancers detail the exact combinations of sugars most likely to heal.

Are we looking at a source of new "miracle" cures here? Perhaps. But Mondoa, in his role as intelligent advocate, would be the first to preach caution and patience along with hope. --Jill Lightner

Genres: Health

288 pages, Hardcover

First published August 7, 2001

Reviews

[Donna Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Technical and interesting. Still digesting the book.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ONLY reason he said pregnant women shouldn't take glyconutrients is his editor didn't know enough about the science & wasn't sure they are safe. Now we know pregnant women not only have saccharides in breast milk, but the women I talk to have healthier pregnancies and infants. They also take electrolytes when nauseated, and plant sterols. See the link to "My Wonderful Supplements" at www.maryrushing.com - Also see 'Information Calls' to hear doctors & some science.

[Roger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative - no need to read the whole thing though, first couple of chapters is enough rest for reference only. Eat healthily and try to consume the sugars we use in there natural form - saves your body using energy to turn other sugars into the ones we need more efficient. Job done.

[LWDC · Rating 4 out of 5]

An introduction to mushrooms,aloe, tree bark, connective tissue matrix: glyconutrients can really help improve your health; being part of our connective tissue they can help to modulate immune responses...

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting approach to wellness by focusing on polysaccharide (glyconutrients). Intriguing but somewhat repetitious.