While I don't doubt the wisdom and experience of Dr. Jensen I am not overly impressed with his skills as an author. He tends toward rambling. He makes many unsubstantiated claims. And he never lays out any specific dietary program for health.
The first third of the book is history. His ramblings on the first doctor, Hippocrates as well as Dr. Victor Rocine are interesting. Undeniably important figures in the field of nutrition-based health. I certainly learned a few things here. These influential histories lead into Dr. Jensen's own autobiographical section which is also interesting. He essentially saved his own life at an early age by devoting his attention to nutrition.
The second third of the book is an analysis of 70-some fruits, vegetables, berries, melons and greens. The nutritive values are from 1988 so, unfortunately, much higher than what you can expect to buy today. He also writes variously on how to prepare/history/wive's tales/trivia and health benefits.
The final third of the book is devoted to recipes. I found it disconcerting that he stressed earlier in the book that we reduce the proportion of grain in our diet, primarily wheat. And yet his recipes seem to be rather heavy on wheat. Naturally he is recommending whole wheat, but the inconsistency is frustrating. That aside, I did identify quite a number of recipes that I will try.
Finally, Dr. Jensen is supportive of dairy in the diet. He grew up in an era where pasteurization was unlikely. I am convinced through the research of Dr. Weston Price that despite the unnatural practice of consuming a different mammals milk (even past a weaned age) that the consumption of raw milk and its byproducts could be beneficial to those able to digest it.
It should be general knowledge that heating milk above the mammalian body temperature alters it. Milk proteins coagulate and become indigestible. The body doesn't like indigestible items in the gut and responds accordingly, inducing inflammation and mucous production.
Also, milk is a hormone laden product. Most products like cheese and yogurt are concentrated so they create elevated hormone levels.
Starting to feel like I should write a book on nutrition! So much BS and nonsense in the mainstream.
This book is not nonsense. Seems like the well meaning ramblings of an old prophet that didn't have anyone on par to challenge his inconsistencies.