Writing this review has presented a unique challenge. Not due to any difficulty in comprehending the book, nor from boredom or complex prose. Quite the opposite, in fact! The challenge lies in the sheer density of information. How can I effectively translate my thoughts on the book, its content, and its core message from my mind to the screen and, ultimately, to you?
My initial concept for this review, admittedly a bit unconventional, involved a Top Gear-inspired approach. I was reminded of what I consider to be a quintessential Top Gear episode: Jeremy Clarkson’s review of the Aston Martin Vantage in Season 13. In that brief, four-minute segment, Clarkson utters only a few sentences, relying on visuals and music to convey the story. It’s a remarkably effective piece of television.
I briefly entertained the idea of replicating that format, presenting images of the book accompanied by my interpretation of Clarkson’s succinct commentary.
“Well, it is a book from Food Pharmacy, what do you think it’s going to be like?”
That would have been the entirety of the review.
However, the practicality of such an approach is questionable. A book review requires more substance than that, however entertaining it might have been.
Therefore, I will endeavor to provide a comprehensive explanation, starting with a brief look back in time. Approximately two years ago, I received a gift from my wife: a book with the intriguing title, “Food Pharmacy: A story about gut flora, good bacteria, research and anti-inflammatory food“.
It proved to be a revelation, introducing me to research on the profound impact of food on the body, explained in an accessible and engaging manner.
It is somewhat surprising that the extent of food’s influence on the body is only now (in 2017, relative to the original writing date) being thoroughly investigated. Humans have, after all, consumed food for millennia, as has every other carbon-based life form.
My point is that this book served as an eye-opener, sparking a deeper interest in dietary choices and the substances we introduce into our bodies. This led me to explore their podcast, which further enhanced my knowledge and interest in the subject.
I also came to the realization that our family already maintains a reasonably healthy and nutritious diet. However, there is always room for improvement, for a more conscious approach to food choices, while still maintaining a sense of enjoyment. This emphasis on culinary pleasure is reflected in my recipes and reviews, which often champion a plant-forward approach. I also strive to minimize sugar intake, particularly refined white sugar.
However, my dietary habits are not without their imperfections. We have eliminated all forms of soda, which I no longer crave. Finding sugar substitutes is relatively straightforward, but in baking and dessert preparation, replacing sugar can be challenging due to its chemical role in these processes.
My commitment to healthy eating has even reached the point where I experience a pang of guilt when preparing, for example, sausage for my son. Such instances are rare, and I find it difficult to deny him a specific request. It is odd that I can easily forgo sweets, but restricting certain foods, such as processed sausages and charcuterie, proves more difficult.
As the authors themselves emphasize, this is not about deprivation, but rather about enrichment—incorporating more nutritious alternatives, adding more vegetables, fruits, nuts, and the like. The principle is simple.
This philosophy is not inherently tied to vegetarianism or veganism, although many of the recipes lean in that direction.
I appreciate the authors’ candor and willingness to acknowledge their own imperfections. They openly admit to the challenges of saying no to their children and the difficulties that arise when children perceive their parents’ cooking habits as different from those of their peers.
Food Pharmacy began as a blog, founded by Lina Nertby Aurell and Mia Clase, two passionate, innovative, and witty individuals. The blog focuses on healthy eating, nutritional optimization, and immune system enhancement, all aimed at promoting overall well-being.
The site has achieved considerable popularity and growth since its inception in 2014. They now produce two distinct podcasts and have authored two previous books, in addition to maintaining their informative blog.
As I mentioned earlier, I have previously read their first book, which presents factual information alongside a selection of recipes. I found it incredibly insightful, particularly in its explanation of how our dietary choices impact our immune system and overall health. The book is written in an accessible style, filled with interesting facts and occasional revelations.
Their second book is a cookbook emphasizing nutritious dishes (including desserts), and now, finally, we have Näringsjägaren (The Nutrition Hunter).
Näringsjägaren (The Nutrition Hunter) blends factual content with recipes. As the title suggests, it centers on the pursuit of nutrient-rich foods, which, as an added benefit, also promotes climate-consciousness and environmental sustainability.
Photo: Jessica Lycker / senses.se
As I stated in the introduction, conveying the full scope of this topic is challenging. I also acknowledge that my perspective extends beyond the confines of the book itself, encompassing the podcast and blog. Perhaps it is unconventional to conduct a review that is influenced by more than just the book under consideration. Or perhaps not?
In any case, I will conclude this review with the words:
It is a book from Food Pharmacy, what do you think it’s going to be like?
