Ellern Mede’s lead Dietitian Oliver Street’s book The Nutrients of Human City, continues to be a hit and was very positively reviewed this year in the journal for The British Dietetic Association (BDA) which is the professional association and trade union for UK dietitians. The journal is Dietetics Today. Journalist Jonny Jones wrote the review, which you can read in full on our website by clicking here or read our extract below:
“It is no mean feat to translate nutrition science into explanations suitable for children. The author uses a concept of characterisation familiar to youngsters fond of comic books and superheroes. These character nutirients are brought to life by the fun illustrations.
“My 13-year-old son liked the way that a human was likened to a city and that the nutriens had different jobs to do. Nutrients are not natives of Human city, they are transported daily from outside in food and drink. They are required to provide energy, build structures, vehicles and machines. Other nutrients are employed as engineers, electricians, soldiers and healers.
“There are three chapters – one on Macro Nutrients and two on Micro Nutrients. Of the two on Micro Nutrients, one is on vitamins, the other on minerals.
“Finally, there’s a list of tips for getting the right balance and a glossary. Each explanation is only a paragraph or two, often with an illustration on the facing page.”
“I liked the description of Vitamin C as a soldier with the ability to produce fire balls to attack bad guys…but each soldier can only make two fire balls so make sure your diet has plenty of fruit and vegetables.”
“It’s a very easy book to dip in and out of. It isn’t preachy about healthily, just factual.”
“This book will appeal to children who enjoy the idea of how the human city functions on fuel and resources from food and drink. It will also appeal to teachers and clinicians who inform children and carers about why a variety of food is needed.
“As a sci-fi fan workings in paeds at the moment, I may well borrow some of these concepts and explanations myself!”
This paperback book is an ideal accompaniment to support parents who give meal support at home to young people who are inpatients or outpatients in eating disorder services. It is available to purchase for a price of £9.99 from Amazon here: Amazon link
