Foods That Heal: A Guide to Understanding and Using the Healing Powers of Natural Foods

by Bernard Jensen

In Foods That Heal , Dr. Bernard Jensen uses the teachings of Hippocrates and VG Rocine, as well as his own research and theories, to offer compelling evidence that what we ingest has a profound effect on our health and wellbeing.

Part One may change the way you look at your next meal. The section contains a host of helpful troubleshooting advice: health cocktails for common ailments, herbal teas, tonics, vitamin- and mineral-packed food combinations, and detailed data on the roles foods play in the optimum efficiency of specific bodily systems, functions, and overall health.

Part Two provides an easy-to-understand guide to fruits and vegetables. Each listing in this section presents a history of use, a buyer’s guide, therapeutic benefits, and nutrient information.

Part three contains easy-to-prepare recipes utilizing the “Foods That Heal.” Each recipe makes use of the freshest and most natural ingredients – ingredients that are not processed or altered by chemical preservatives, food colorings, or additives.

Both those looking to improve their health and those interested in taking an active role in enhancing their overall wellbeing will find this book interesting, informative, and full of common-sense suggestions for attaining good health through proper nutrition.

Genres: Health, Food, Cookbooks, Reference, Nonfiction, Nutrition, Cooking

352 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1988

Reviews

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Darius Murretti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr Jensen was not the real pioneer of health food . That distinction belongs to Dr Norman walker but this is an OK book that explains the healing properties of raw foods. It is also a reference guide giving the nutritional composition of various fruits , vegetables , grains and pulses .

I studied the worlds literature of human nutrition and the books that tally with it are(in order of importance :

Fresh fruit and vegetable Juices -Dr Norman Walker ( the first chapter of this books sums it all up in only 10 pages )
Survival Into The 21st century - Viktoras Kulvinskas
The wheat grass book by DR ANN WIGMORE
THE COLON HEALTH HANDBOOK: NEW HEALTH THROUGH COLON REJUVENATION BY ROBERT GRAY (just the pages on diet )
Foods that heal --Dr Bernard Jensen

above all you need to understand WHY eating foods containing active ENZYMES will vastly increase teh vibrancy of the health of teh cells in your body . You need to eat on a cellular level realizing that you are providing nutrients to teh cells of your body when you eat . Your cells are the building blocks of your tissues and determine if your tissue succeed or fail in the demands you put on them. I can tell you that my tissues have not failed and life is fun not sitting on the side lines but doing what ever I want .

[Galaxyflyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was one of Grandpa Rogers books, that I have now. the date that he wrote in it says Apr. 1991. I plan on reading it after collage.

[Katheryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite nutrition books. Food is an amazing healer. He gives detail as to the benefits of each type of food.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such an interesting resource! I'm loving it.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will try to eat an apple every day, not to mention more peppers, melons, etc. Thank you for this insightful book about foods we should eat more of. Get those veggies in!

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Could not finish this book. Read like densely packed pseudo-science and mumbo jumbo fluff. While some of it may certainly be truthful and beneficial, it's hard to say what with so few foot notes or end notes. Would not recommend.