Review: The Good Vices by Dr. Harry Ofgang and Eric Ofgang (E)

Synopsis: Much of the health advice we receive today tells us that in order to be healthy, we must consume a Spartan diet, exercise with the intensity of an Olympic athlete, and take a drug for every ailment. We constantly worry about the foods we should or shouldn't be eating and the medical tests we have neglected to take. And all that worry costs us dearly--financially, emotionally, and physically.  In The Good Vices, prominent naturopathic physician Dr. Harry Ofgang and health journalist Erik Ofgang tear down decades of myth and prejudice to reveal how some of our guilty pleasures are not only okay but actually good for our health. For example:

  *  Like wine, moderate beer and spirit consumption raises our bodies' level of good cholesterol, which protects against heart disease.

  *  Egg yolks are an excellent source of important fat-soluble vitamins.

  *  Research suggests that moderate exercisers can be at least as healthy as, and sometimes even healthier than, those who exercise intensively.

Forget what you thought you knew about what's healthy, and enjoy some good vices instead. (from the online description)

Review: With a light hand and quick wit, the authors take the reader through several of the traditional “vices” and illustrated why they might actually be good for you!

This was a fun and education read. Nothing ground-breaking, mind you, just light science combined with a few remarks on social and cultural traditions that could use a bit of revamping in our minds. Reading this confirmed what I knew – beer, sex, wine, chocolate, and sleeping in are all healthy (in moderation) for us as humans. The authors are quick to point out moderation as an important part of these ideas, but also point out that depravation of anything is not good for us.

The prose lacks the heavy technical jargon and would be easy to read for the general population, but it has enough science to satisfy any academic. Worth reading, for anyone 12+, and would be suitable as a non-fiction selection for a book club, particular one that serves wine and chocolate!

Note: I received this book free through LibraryThing's Early Review Program in exchange for my fair and honest opinion 

Bookmarks: 3.5 of 5

Awards: None

ISBN: 978-0-143-13196-0
Year Published: June 2019
Date Finished: 4-13-2019
Pages: 193