Understanding Human Metabolism

Understanding Life

by Keith N. Frayn

Does eating more carbohydrates, or fats, cause one to put on more weight? Are ketone bodies toxins or vital products that keep us alive during starvation? Does the concept of 'fat-burning exercise' hold true? In this game-changing book, Keith Frayn, an international expert in human metabolism and nutrition, dispels common misconceptions about human metabolism, explaining in everyday language the important metabolic processes that underlie all aspects of our daily lives. Illustrated throughout with clear diagrams of metabolic processes, Frayn describes the communication systems that enable our different organs and tissues to cooperate, for instance in providing fuel to our muscles when we exercise, and in preserving our tissues during fasting. He explores the impressive adaptability of human metabolism and discusses the metabolic disorders that can arise when metabolism 'goes wrong'. For anyone sceptical of information about diet and lifestyle, this concise book guides the reader through what metabolism really involves.

Genres: Health

202 pages, Paperback

Published November 24, 2022

About the author

Professor Keith Frayn is an Emeritus Fellow of Green Templeton College and Emeritus Professor of Human Metabolism at the University of Oxford.

Reviews

[Carmen Pérez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Metabolism refers to the chemical processes that occur within our bodies – mostly within our cells- that transform what we eat into sound energy, new bodily constituents, and waste products. Keith Frayn, an international expert in human metabolism and nutrition, wrote this excellent book. The author dispels common misconceptions about human metabolism and explains, in everyday language, the essential metabolic processes that underlie all aspects of our daily lives. The book has many clear diagrams that illustrate many metabolic processes. Also, describes the communication systems that enable our different organs and tissues to cooperate, for example, in providing fuel to our muscles when we exercise, and in preserving our tissues during fasting. The information and data given by Dr. Frayn explore the impressive adaptability of human metabolism and discuss the metabolic disorders that can arise when metabolism 'goes wrong'. This concise book guides the reader through what metabolism really involves. In addition, the book clarifies common misunderstandings about metabolism, using everyday language. It also provides a scientific basis for understanding diet, energy, and health. I give it five stars out of five.

[Felix Sippel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! For me who had some previous knowledge about biology and chemistry it was absolutely eye opening! Connecting so many loose threads of semi-knowledge that one has on the topic from everyday life into an easily digestible (pun intended) overview of human metabolism.

Probably a bit challenging with very little or no previous knowledge.

[Тaniia Тkachuk · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was quite interesting, though mostly hard. Gave answers to common questions about fasting, ketone bodies, exercises and diabetes.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good but hard to read as a non-scientist.