Positives Reviewers widely praise this book for its profound influence and its author, Linus Pauling, a revered scientist. Many readers express newfound respect and admiration for Pauling, highlighting the book's simple yet transformative guide to healthier living. The regimen, focusing on practical and inexpensive nutritional advice, is seen as a powerful tool for disease prevention and overall well-being. The book is lauded for being rich in scientific information, particularly regarding Vitamin C, with numerous cited studies that lend credibility to Pauling's arguments. Readers often report personal health improvements after adopting the book's recommendations, such as enhanced immunity and faster recuperation. It is considered a valuable resource for understanding the molecular basis of health and for challenging conventional medical wisdom regarding nutrition.
Negatives Despite its strengths, some reviewers find the book to be a demanding read, describing it as 'too scientific' or 'hard to read' due to its detailed biochemical explanations and extensive review of scientific reports. As the book was published in 1986, certain pieces of information are noted as being dated or now considered common knowledge. Reviewers also point out Pauling's strong advocacy for megadoses of vitamins, acknowledging that his perspective might be biased and some of his claims are still not universally accepted by mainstream medicine and are sometimes viewed as controversial. Furthermore, some readers disagree with Pauling's specific dietary recommendations concerning foods like eggs, meat, and milk, preferring more contemporary or alternative nutritional views.
Conclusion Overall, the book is highly recommended as a significant contribution to nutritional knowledge, particularly for its insights into the role of vitamins. While it requires dedication to fully engage with its scientific depth, readers who invest the time are often greatly rewarded. This book is best suited for individuals deeply interested in the science of nutrition, those seeking to understand the historical advocacy and research behind mega-vitamin therapy, and readers who are open to critically evaluating mainstream health information. It serves as an excellent reference for anyone looking to expand their knowledge beyond basic health texts and explore alternative perspectives on achieving optimal health.