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The Optimum Nutrition Bible: The Book You Have To Read If Your Care About Your Health
COMPLETELY REVISED AND UPDATED TO INCLUDE THE LATEST CUTTING-EDGE RESEARCH. The best-selling Optimum Nutrition Bible has revolutionised health. It explains how, by giving yourself the best possible intake of nutrients, to allow your body to be as healthy as it possibly can. This revised and updated edition shows What a well balanced diet really means; How to boost your immune system; How to increase your energy and fitness levels; How to prevent cancer and turn back the ageing clock; How to avoid heart disease and lower your blood pressure without drugs; Why the wrong fats can kill and the right fats can heal; How to increase your IQ, memory and mental performance; Includes new charts and six new chapters, on Stimulants, Water, Eating right for your blood type, Detox, Homocysteine and Toxic Minerals.
576 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1997
81 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 13, 2013
A book I consult on a regular basis, it has proven invaluable in my studies on Nutrition, and really has changed the way i eat over the years. Simple changes to diet really can change our lives, this book tells us how.
January 17, 2008
After reading only a few chapters of this book my eating habits changed permanently. It is amazing what a little education can do. I recommend this to anyone who eats food.
June 15, 2013
I felt this book was very comprehensive on nutrition. Loved the worksheet to figure out the best amount of supplements for me based on my inputs.
July 5, 2013
Excellent book, this has changed the way I live and eat.
July 7, 2015
It took me a while to finish this book but it pretty much covers everything about how to achieve as the title says optimum nutrition. There are some parts of the book I do not agree with but overall a comprehensive guide and useful information about nutrition.
I learned a lot from this book and I always have it open when I am looking for consulting purposes. Highly Recommended
I learned a lot from this book and I always have it open when I am looking for consulting purposes. Highly Recommended
July 7, 2019
Very comprehensive book that speaks about nutrition from A to Z.
At first I was scared about the size of the book, but it’s. Ery easy to read.
I consult this book very often.
I recommend it to everybody
At first I was scared about the size of the book, but it’s. Ery easy to read.
I consult this book very often.
I recommend it to everybody
May 20, 2025
For the sake of your health and bank account, buy a different book about nutrition. All Holford is doing here is recommending massive amounts of supplements, claiming they'll make you fitter, stronger, happier, and smarter. These are supplements which- surprise surprise- his company happens to sell.
Throughout the course of this book, Holford nitpicks a few poor-quality studies which contradict the overwhelming majority of credible, legitimate scientific papers, and uses these studies to justify his pseudoscientific conclusions. Some of these include:
-Milk and high-protein diets lead to decreased bone density and increased fracture likelihood (this has been disproven)
-To build muscle, you should only eat ~3g of extra protein a day (completely untrue and terrible information for anyone trying to get into shape)
-You can safely eat up to 5g of Vitamin C a day (DO NOT DO THIS. The safety threshold is in fact 2g, and 5g may give you kidney stones, stomach issues, and other bodily problems)
-Supplements can noticeably improve your IQ (not true, and what a coincidence that he sells them)
-Different blood types need different diets (there is no credible scientific evidence supporting this)
-Different blood types have different personalities (are you kidding me? Not only is this plainly not true, but it doesn't even make sense. It's like astrology.)
Even basic scientific information, like the % of protein in the human body, he gets wrong. This book is just plainly not scientifically credible. The problem with what Holford and his company Optimum Nutrition calls 'alternative nutrition' isn't that it challenges mainstream thought- that would be beneficial for science and would allow harmful beliefs to be dispelled. The problem is that none of it is backed up by scientific consensus.
They find a few studies that go against the grain, studies that mainstream science doesn't pay attention to because they aren't reliable and shouldn't be used, and use these to support whatever belief system makes them money. In this case, Holford wants you to believe that buying his supplements will change your life. In reality, consuming the amount of supplements he recommends will HARM you, not heal you, and for proof you can consult genuinely any legitimate source out there. It's plainly wrong, and it's plainly detrimental.
There is some legitimate nutritional information here: for example info about the glycaemic index/load, healthy vs unhealthy fats, which food types to avoid/pursue, etc. This information IS in alignment with mainstream, proven science and what real experts recommend. It's just that this legitimate information is buried and tainted with illegitimate information with no real concrete backing (e.g. phytochemicals) and further tainted with complete misinformation and lies. Your time is too important to waste trying to pick the needles of truth out of the haystack of Holford's schemes here, and would be better spent reading an actual nutritional guide (e.g. 'The Way To Eat') by people who are actually qualified and aren't trying to scam you.
I don't trust this book partly because I don't trust this author. Holford has a BSc in psychology but no actual qualifications relevant to nutrition. There is nothing that gives Holford any authority in what he's saying. He's just some guy trying to sell his supplements, writing books to help with that. This is a man who has consistently been criticised for supporting pseudoscience (e.g. that vaccines cause autism) and who has been forced by advertising authorities to pull adverts because they were dishonest.
A lot of unfortunate consumers have been duped into buying into Holford's philosophy and have left glowing reviews, but examining this book from a scientific perspective reveals that not only is it full of flaws, but these flaws are so glaring that this book isn't worth buying. Holford is trying to scam you. That's all. This book does have some real, proven information, it's true, but also some disproven information (e.g. that milk damages bones), some nonsensical information (e.g. blood type affects personality), and some downright scamming.
Mainstream science/nutrition is mainstream for a reason: it's strictly evidence-based, emphasises rigorous proof and caution, and is transparent, regulated, and not for profit. Holford's alternative nutrition, and unfortunately in almost all cases in alternative nutrition as a whole, is based on quackery, no relevant professional qualifications, and the desire for profit. Don't buy into the scam, and find a better source of info. I strongly recommend 'The Way to Eat' or, if you're shorter on time, 'The Abs Diet'.
Throughout the course of this book, Holford nitpicks a few poor-quality studies which contradict the overwhelming majority of credible, legitimate scientific papers, and uses these studies to justify his pseudoscientific conclusions. Some of these include:
-Milk and high-protein diets lead to decreased bone density and increased fracture likelihood (this has been disproven)
-To build muscle, you should only eat ~3g of extra protein a day (completely untrue and terrible information for anyone trying to get into shape)
-You can safely eat up to 5g of Vitamin C a day (DO NOT DO THIS. The safety threshold is in fact 2g, and 5g may give you kidney stones, stomach issues, and other bodily problems)
-Supplements can noticeably improve your IQ (not true, and what a coincidence that he sells them)
-Different blood types need different diets (there is no credible scientific evidence supporting this)
-Different blood types have different personalities (are you kidding me? Not only is this plainly not true, but it doesn't even make sense. It's like astrology.)
Even basic scientific information, like the % of protein in the human body, he gets wrong. This book is just plainly not scientifically credible. The problem with what Holford and his company Optimum Nutrition calls 'alternative nutrition' isn't that it challenges mainstream thought- that would be beneficial for science and would allow harmful beliefs to be dispelled. The problem is that none of it is backed up by scientific consensus.
They find a few studies that go against the grain, studies that mainstream science doesn't pay attention to because they aren't reliable and shouldn't be used, and use these to support whatever belief system makes them money. In this case, Holford wants you to believe that buying his supplements will change your life. In reality, consuming the amount of supplements he recommends will HARM you, not heal you, and for proof you can consult genuinely any legitimate source out there. It's plainly wrong, and it's plainly detrimental.
There is some legitimate nutritional information here: for example info about the glycaemic index/load, healthy vs unhealthy fats, which food types to avoid/pursue, etc. This information IS in alignment with mainstream, proven science and what real experts recommend. It's just that this legitimate information is buried and tainted with illegitimate information with no real concrete backing (e.g. phytochemicals) and further tainted with complete misinformation and lies. Your time is too important to waste trying to pick the needles of truth out of the haystack of Holford's schemes here, and would be better spent reading an actual nutritional guide (e.g. 'The Way To Eat') by people who are actually qualified and aren't trying to scam you.
I don't trust this book partly because I don't trust this author. Holford has a BSc in psychology but no actual qualifications relevant to nutrition. There is nothing that gives Holford any authority in what he's saying. He's just some guy trying to sell his supplements, writing books to help with that. This is a man who has consistently been criticised for supporting pseudoscience (e.g. that vaccines cause autism) and who has been forced by advertising authorities to pull adverts because they were dishonest.
A lot of unfortunate consumers have been duped into buying into Holford's philosophy and have left glowing reviews, but examining this book from a scientific perspective reveals that not only is it full of flaws, but these flaws are so glaring that this book isn't worth buying. Holford is trying to scam you. That's all. This book does have some real, proven information, it's true, but also some disproven information (e.g. that milk damages bones), some nonsensical information (e.g. blood type affects personality), and some downright scamming.
Mainstream science/nutrition is mainstream for a reason: it's strictly evidence-based, emphasises rigorous proof and caution, and is transparent, regulated, and not for profit. Holford's alternative nutrition, and unfortunately in almost all cases in alternative nutrition as a whole, is based on quackery, no relevant professional qualifications, and the desire for profit. Don't buy into the scam, and find a better source of info. I strongly recommend 'The Way to Eat' or, if you're shorter on time, 'The Abs Diet'.
December 15, 2022
You need to read this with a marker pen, have your own copy and work out what you are missing (if anything). My copy is probably very old, I think the tables at the back which I thought would be the driest part are almost the most interesting. I hope that this book is continually updated, it's a sort of almost timeless science book, but it probably needs almost continuous review and re-writing... totally worth it. Only took me about 10 years to get around to reading it 🤣
March 9, 2020
A usual guide to dio in an out of.
April 23, 2023
Very helpful and informative. I have adjusted my dirt based in this book. Very helpful fir vegans :)
April 30, 2023
Conclusión: comer variado y balanceado, dormir bien, evitar tosssssicos, tomar sumplementos y ESCUCHAR al cuerpo.
August 27, 2024
This book changed my life and made me rethink nutrition. Highly recommend.
November 11, 2025
Outdated information which is still interesting and much of it still relevant, but there is so much new stuff and so this has book been updated by the author in a new nutrition Bible
October 7, 2014
Overall a great read, well worth the time. This book is both inspiring and instructive.
I do feel some of the content is not for me, as far as the blood type diet for instance, I feel it has been shown to be pseudo. There was an area of the book around halfway where I was a little bored also.
You will get the most out of this book if you go on to pay for his membership, I however was not willing and still feel I have benefited.
I do feel some of the content is not for me, as far as the blood type diet for instance, I feel it has been shown to be pseudo. There was an area of the book around halfway where I was a little bored also.
You will get the most out of this book if you go on to pay for his membership, I however was not willing and still feel I have benefited.
January 27, 2019
Very informative when it comes to nutritional needs, however to be taken with a grain of salt as the author heavily advocates in favor of supplements.
A particular chapter on contraception I found especially troubling as he mentioned keeping track of your ovulation should largely do the trick... completely irresponsible to promote that idea.
But in terms of nutritional information, a very solid book!
A particular chapter on contraception I found especially troubling as he mentioned keeping track of your ovulation should largely do the trick... completely irresponsible to promote that idea.
But in terms of nutritional information, a very solid book!
June 17, 2016
Good book about nutrition, describes well the importance of a balance diet and its components. It repeats some concepts quite a lot especially towards the end. I got the feel that the author try hard to encourage the reader with the need of supplementing with vitamins and minerals. Overall a good introduction to human nutrition and supplements. Good consulting book.
November 14, 2018
Optimum Nutrition Bible review
An amazing book about nutrition which I highly advice the general public, who are conscious and passionate about their health, to read. This book is filed with vital up-to-date information regarding ones health and vitality.
An amazing book about nutrition which I highly advice the general public, who are conscious and passionate about their health, to read. This book is filed with vital up-to-date information regarding ones health and vitality.
Currently reading
December 30, 2008i dip in and out of this book all the time its not the kinda book i'd sit and read from cover to cover more of a reference but its very informative and easy to understand...
January 7, 2009
Patrick is the GOD of nutrition. Easy to read and understand.
October 31, 2015
A great read for everyone wanting to improve their health through nutrition.
April 13, 2020
A good book that teaches you the basics of healthy living.
November 29, 2020
Comprehensive guide to nutrition. A must-have.
March 19, 2009
Excellent!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews