Hans Konrad Biesalski

This book explores the evolution of the human brain, highlighting the critical role of diet, particularly micronutrients, in shaping our cognitive development. By examining the evolutionary path of our ancestors, it sheds light on how dietary practices have influenced brain growth and function. This provides valuable insights into modern health and lifestyle choices. Thus, the book makes an essential contribution to evolutionary medicine and to our understanding of the relationship between evolution and health. The chapters cover topics such as the importance of micronutrients in brain development in the context of evolution and cognitive development in children, mental decline in the elderly (dementia), ADHD, Hidden Hunger, and obesity. Special attention is given to the impact of environmental change on dietary evolution and the role of the hippocampus in processing sensory and ecological information. The book offers a fresh perspective on the relationship between diet and cognitive health, and the author presents a strong case that nutritional quality, rather than quantity, has been a driving force in the evolution of Homo sapiens and the human brain. Nutritional quality continues to play an important role in brain development and function, as demonstrated by various examples. Throughout the book, complex concepts are explained with simple, colorful illustrations. References to implications for modern humans complement the main content. By exploring the links between ancient dietary practices and modern health, the book invites readers to rethink their approach to diet and lifestyle and offers practical insights for maintaining cognitive health throughout life. As such, it is intended for anyone interested in these topics, whether you are a scientist or an interested layperson.

Do you no longer understand the countless, contradictory dietary recommendations? Do you find it difficult to distinguish between good and bad when it comes to cholesterol? Are you torn between the various dietary rules and nutritional forms that come your way every day and despair of the term "healthy diet"? Or are you confronted professionally, e.g. as a consultant or fitness coach, with questions on the subject of nutrition and would like to learn the scientific basics? The author Thomas Vilgis advises you to remain calm and to think objectively about all assumptions, presumptions, promises and suggestions for orientation. This book leads you off the beaten track and with a scientific, sober view to fundamental questions of nutrition. Starting with the nutritional history of Homo sapiens, the author guides you into the fundamental interplay between proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, what they do in the body, how they are digested, and what role they really play. Supporting you will find in the second edition various retrievable videos in which complex relationships are clearly explained. This quickly shows how little is hidden behind some dubious statements. With the claim of a scientific and molecular view of nutrition, it is possible to put into perspective and classify many a questionable recommendation on nutrition in an understandable and entertaining way.

Verstehen Sie die unzähligen, widersprüchlichen Ernährungsempfehlungen nicht mehr? Können Sie beim Cholesterin nur ganz schwer zwischen Gut und Böse unterscheiden? Sind Sie hin- und hergerissen zwischen verschiedenen Ernährungsregeln und Ernährungsformen, die täglich auf Sie hereinprasseln, und verzweifeln am Begriff „gesunde Ernährung“? Oder sind Sie beruflich, z. B. als Berater oder Fitnesscoach, mit Fragen zum Thema Ernährung konfrontiert und möchten sich die naturwissenschaftlichen Grundlagen aneignen? Der Autor Thomas Vilgis rät, dabei erst einmal gelassen zu bleiben und sachlich über alle Mutmaßungen, Vermutungen, Versprechen und Orientierungsvorschläge nachzudenken. Dieses Buch führt Sie abseits ausgetretener Pfade und mit naturwissenschaftlicher, nüchterner Sicht an grundsätzliche Fragen der Ernährung heran. Ausgehend von der Ernährungsgeschichte des Homo sapiens begleitet Sie der Autor in das grundlegende Zusammenspiel zwischen Proteinen, Fetten und Kohlenhydraten, was sie im Körper bewirken, wie sie verdaut werden und welche Rolle sie wirklich spielen. Unterstützend finden Sie in der zweiten Auflage verschiedene abrufbare Videos, in denen komplexe Zusammenhänge anschaulich erklärt werden. So zeigt sich rasch, wie wenig sich hinter manchen zweifelhaften Aussagen verbirgt. Mit dem Anspruch einer naturwissenschaftlichen und molekularen Sicht auf die Ernährung gelingt es, auf verständliche und unterhaltsame Weise so manche fragwürdige Empfehlung zur Ernährung zu relativieren und einzuordnen.

Im vorliegenden Buch wird die Bedeutung von Ernährung und Bewegung für die Gesundheit dargestellt. Der interessierte Leser erhält Empfehlungen auf Grundlage aktueller wissenschaftlicher und klinischer Erkenntnisse. Wie beeinflussen Ernährungstrends oder Diäten die Gesundheit? Was begünstigt die Entstehung von Erkrankungen? Welche Sportarten und wie viel Bewegung sind empfehlenswert? Die erfahrenen Ernährungs- und Sportmediziner zeigen, dass jeder mit einem Lebensstil aus gesunder Ernährung und sportlicher Betätigung zu seiner Gesundheit und Lebensqualität wesentlich beitragen kann.

Hidden Hunger is an increasing problem even in developed countries, whose potential negative consequences on long-term health are often overlooked and underestimated. Chronic malnutrition is at the core of the global hunger challenge facing science, politics, and economics. In plain language and with moving examples, Hans K. Biesalski describes how hidden hunger affects human health long before malnutrition becomes obvious. Worldwide, over one third of deaths among children under 5 years of age is associated with malnutrition. As poverty is the main reason for hidden hunger, addressing this dire challenge requires long-term policies. Land grabbing and climate change seriously counteract a lot of efforts to overcome hidden hunger. This book is a highly impressive call to action. Investment in agriculture and in particular in small-scale farmers to improve subsistence farming are among the approaches suggested to reach a sustainable solution. The author is head of the department of biochemistry and nutrition and managing director of the Food Security Center at the University of Hohenheim, Germany. He is a member of numerous advisory and expert groups for the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition.

Jedes Lebewesen braucht Mikronährstoffe unterschiedlicher Art und Menge. Jüngste Erkenntnisse über deren Bedeutung erlauben eine neue Interpretation der Evolution des Menschen. So ist die Hirnentwicklung mit einer ganzen Reihe von Mikronährstoffen eng verbunden. Wie aber haben es unsere Ahnen geschafft, dass sie immer genug davon hatten? Wie hat die Verfügbarkeit von Mikronährstoffen die natürliche Selektion beeinflusst? Dieses Buch gibt erste Antworten auf diese spannenden Fragen.

Hidden Hunger is an increasing problem even in developed countries, whose potential negative consequences on long-term health are often overlooked and underestimated. Chronic malnutrition is at the core of the global hunger challenge facing science, politics, and economics. In plain language and with moving examples, Hans K. Biesalski describes how hidden hunger affects human health long before malnutrition becomes obvious. Worldwide, over one third of deaths among children under 5 years of age is associated with malnutrition. As poverty is the main reason for hidden hunger, addressing this dire challenge requires long-term policies. Land grabbing and climate change seriously counteract a lot of efforts to overcome hidden hunger. This book is a highly impressive call to action. Investment in agriculture and in particular in small-scale farmers to improve subsistence farming are among the approaches suggested to reach a sustainable solution. The author is head of the department of biochemistry and nutrition and managing director of the Food Security Center at the University of Hohenheim, Germany. He is a member of numerous advisory and expert groups for the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition.

Concise, practical, and designed for quick reference. With obesity and diabetes assuming alarming epidemic proportions, diet and nutrition are in the spotlight more than ever before. It has never been more important for health care professionals to be well informed, not only about the latest developments, but also about the scientific facts. The Pocket Atlas of Nutrition is an accessible guide to all aspects of nutrition, from basic chemistry to the most recent dietary guidelines. Includes: More than 150 easy-to-understand, full-color plates A comprehensive list of nutrients, including for each its composition, effect, function, occurrence and daily requirements, as well as recommended intake An extensive listing of all vitamins, minerals, trace elements as well as non-nutritive substances with their function and interaction Accessible discussions of special diets as well as nutritional recommendations for various medical conditions and throughout the life course, e.g. for pregnant women or athletes Up-to-date coverage of food-related diseases, including BSE, genetically modified foods, food quality, food allergies, and functional foodsWe are bombarded by new information and claims about nutrition every day. The Pocket Atlas of Nutrition -- concise, practical, and designed for quick reference -- is an ideal basic guide for professionals and interested lay readers alike.