Metabolical
The Lure and the Lies of Processed Food, Nutrition, and Modern Medicine
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Narrated by:
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Charles Constant
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Written by:
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Robert H. Lustig
About this listen
The New York Times bestselling author of Fat Chance explains the eight pathologies that underlie all chronic disease, documents how processed food has impacted them to ruin our health, economy, and environment over the past 50 years, and proposes an urgent manifesto and strategy to cure both us and the planet.
Dr. Robert Lustig, a pediatric neuroendocrinologist who has long been on the cutting edge of medicine and science, challenges our current healthcare paradigm which has gone off the rails under the influence of Big Food, Big Pharma, and Big Government.
You can’t solve a problem if you don’t know what the problem is. One of Lustig’s singular gifts as a communicator is his ability to “connect the dots” for the general reader, in order to unpack the scientific data and concepts behind his arguments, as he tells the “real story of food” and “the story of real food.”
Metabolical weaves the interconnected strands of nutrition, health/disease, medicine, environment, and society into a completely new fabric by proving on a scientific basis a series of iconoclastic revelations, among them:
- Medicine for chronic disease treats symptoms, not the disease itself
- You can diagnose your own biochemical profile
- Chronic diseases are not ""druggable,"" but they are ""foodable""
- Processed food isn’t just toxic, it’s addictive
- The war between vegan and keto is a false war—the combatants are on the same side
- Big Food, Big Pharma, and Big Government are on the other side
Making the case that food is the only lever we have to effect biochemical change to improve our health, Lustig explains what to eat based on two novel criteria: protect the liver, and feed the gut. He insists that if we do not fix our food and change the way we eat, we will continue to court chronic disease, bankrupt healthcare, and threaten the planet. But there is hope: this book explains what’s needed to fix all three.
Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.
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And the narrator was easy to listen to.
Would highly recommend.
Very informative
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Not biased
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lots to learn
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What sets Metabolical apart from other health and nutrition books is the clarity with which Lustig weaves together science, policy, and personal accountability. He doesn’t simply tell you to eat better—he explains the why in a way that is both accessible and empowering. With warmth and urgency, he tackles big questions like how processed foods harm our metabolism, why obesity and chronic disease are so prevalent, and how we can take back control of our health.
Lustig’s tone is conversational yet authoritative. He blends his decades of experience as a pediatric endocrinologist with engaging stories and practical advice. You feel like you’re learning from a trusted friend who genuinely cares about your well-being, not just a distant figure lecturing from a podium. His passion for the topic is contagious, and by the end of the book, it’s hard not to feel inspired to take action.
What I appreciated most was Lustig’s ability to make complex science understandable. He breaks down the biochemical impact of processed foods—how they wreak havoc on our bodies and contribute to chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and even dementia. Yet, he never makes the reader feel overwhelmed. Instead, he gives you the tools to understand how our food environment is designed to trap us in cycles of poor health and offers a clear path out of it.
Metabolical is not just about food; it’s about the broader systems that govern public health and nutrition. Lustig calls out the food industry and government for perpetuating misinformation and prioritizing profits over people’s well-being. However, the book doesn’t leave you feeling hopeless. On the contrary, it’s a call to arms, encouraging readers to be more informed and proactive in their choices.
Metabolical stands as a beacon of truth in a world where misinformation about food and health is rampant. If you care about your health—or the health of your loved ones—this book is a must-read. It’s informative, thought-provoking, and a powerful reminder that what we eat truly matters.
Whether you’re new to nutrition science or a seasoned health advocate, Dr. Lustig’s Metabolical will leave a lasting impact. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of how to nourish your body, protect yourself from the harmful effects of processed food, and be part of the change toward a healthier future.
A Groundbreaking Wake-Up Call for Our Health: A Re
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The Truth is in the "pudding"!
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Adding this one to my top five book recommendations
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Incredible Content
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Amazing information and easy to understand
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A must read
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It’s a masterpiece
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