The Genealogy of Plant Foods - by Nathaniel Altman (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Reveals the origins, uses, and medicinal properties of over 100 plant foods

- Offers entries of 106 plant foods, including their origins, histories, and religious significance as well as culinary and medicinal uses

- Covers an extensive range of fruits, vegetables, grains, pulses, nuts and seeds, herbs and spices as well as "specialty" foods like chocolate, pasta, sugar, coffee, and tea

- Provides nutritional and healing properties, based on the latest scientific findings on nutriceuticals and phytochemicals, to present each food as a medicine

The last major study of plant foods, Origin of Cultivated Plants, was first published in 1885. Since then scientists, historians, and anthropologists have learned so much more. The Genealogy of Plant Foods fills the knowledge gap for readers today who seek to learn about the plant foods upon which we depend.

Drawing on peer-reviewed medical and scientific journals, Nathaniel Altman offers accounts of the genealogy, histories, and nutritional and medicinal properties of 106 plant foods--foods that physically and spiritually sustain us. He includes fruits, vegetables, grains, pulses, nuts and seeds, herbs, and spices as well as "specialty" foods like chocolate, pasta, sugar, coffee, and tea. Readers will learn the genealogical story of these plant foods, along with the ways our ancestors prepared, ate, and used them as medicine.

Learn how the avocado, yam, lentil, and other foods detailed in this book migrated from their places of origin to where they can be found today, along with their mythological powers, spiritual significance, and the ancient and modern festivals held in their honor. The author discusses each plant's nutritional and healing properties, based on the latest scientific findings on nutraceuticals and phytochemicals, to present each food as a medicine. Readers will learn the effects each food has on preventing chronic health conditions and how they can use the medicinal properties of these foods for their own personal wellness.

Review Quotes

"A deeply fascinating book that explores the origins of our food and serves as a valuable reference on the medicinal properties and preparation methods of each food it describes. It beautifully illustrates how people across the world are interconnected through the foods we share as a global humanity. A delightful enrichment of my library."-- "Wouter Bijdendijk, author of Plant Power"

"A veritable who's who of the plants we eat, this book shares the backstories of foods I thought I knew well. Turns out we were only marginally acquainted. Everything I didn't know is here: the history, evolution, culinary landscape, and nutritional bounty of the amazing seeds, roots, flowers, and fruits that have nourished life on Earth from its beginnings."-- "Victoria Moran, author of Main Street Vegan and Age Like a Yogi"

About the Author

Nathaniel Altman is the author of The Honey Prescription, Healing Springs, and The New Oxygen Prescription as well as many books on diet, alternative healing, metaphysics, and relationships. He has appeared on more than 150 podcasts, radio, and television programs, and his articles have appeared in major venues. He lives in Brooklyn.