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Udo Erasmus’ 1993 book, Fats that Heal, Fats that Kill (Alive Books, Vancouver, Canada, $22.95 US), has found a place in the pantheon of consumer-oriented books on diet and nutrition. His thesis is simple: essential fats, such as omega-three and omega-six fatty acids, have healing properties that can prevent and even reverse the chronic diseases that are endemic in industrialized nations, such as heart disease, cancer, type II diabetes mellitus, arthritis, asthma, and obesity. By incorporating essential fats into our diets, in conjunction with physical activity and stress reduction, we can lead healthier, more disease-free lives. Erasmus is a PhD-prepared nutritionist with a background in counseling psychology. As a result, he does a remarkable job of simplifying complex biochemistry concepts and translating them into feasible behavioral guidelines. The early chapters on the biochemistry of fats and their processing by the body are essential reading for novices who wish to learn more about energy metabolism. Also useful are the final chapters that synthesize the preceding content into understandable guidelines for healthy eating and lifestyle choices. A major weakness is the lack of documentation of the evidence to support the sometimes bold claims that are made. For example, Erasmus asserts that lipid-lowering drugs are associated with an increased incidence of cancer and suicide, yet cites no studies to support this statement. Elsewhere, he implies that Type II diabetes can be cured by supplementation with fish oils, yet a recent review by the Cochrane Collaboration concluded that fish oils have no effect on glycemic parameters (1). It should also be noted that Erasmus is not a dispassionate reporter on the state of the science with respect to essential fats. Rather, he has a financial stake in this subject and actively markets his own blend of essential oils. In summary, Fats that Heal, Fats that Kill, is a useful resource for consumers to learn more about the biochemistry and metabolism of fats. Moreover, it offers sound advice on strategies to reduce saturated fat intake and to enhance wellness. However, patients should be cautioned that several of the book’s claims are unsupported by scientific evidence and should be viewed warily. Patients should consult with their health care providers prior to making lifestyle changes based on Erasmus’ recommendations. Reference
Barbara Swanson, DNSc, RN, ACRN |
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