One sentence summary
Grain Brain: The Surprising Truth about Wheat, Carbs, and Sugar–Your Brain’s Silent Killers by David Perlmutter MD reveals how dietary changes can help reduce the risk of developing neurological diseases.
Book genre
Non-fiction, Science, Health and Fitness, Nutrition, Medicine
Main topic of the book
Grain Brain investigates the impact of diet, identifying how different food groups can affect the brain as well as overall wellbeing.
Key ideas
- The human diet has been drastically altered by modern agriculture.
- A diet high in wheat, carbs, and sugar increases the risk of cognitive decline.
- Certain compounds found in certain types of foods can trigger neurological diseases.
- Changes to diet and lifestyle can reduce or reverse the risk of neurological diseases.
Main parts of the book and a short summary
Part 1 – The Basics of Grain Brain – Explains the premise of Grain Brain and its arguments. Examines the scientific links between diet and health, and how modern diet has changed from the way humans have evolved.
Part 2 – The Brain on Grain Brain – Explores the diets recommended within the Grain Brain principles. Show how the avoidance of grains, sugars and carbs can reduce the risk of neurological diseases, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Part 3 – The Impact of Grain Brain – Shows how changes to diet can alter the risk of developing neurological diseases, as well as improve overall health and wellbeing.
Part 4 – The Home of Grain Brain – Provides a wealth of practical advice on how to implement the Grain Brain principles into everyday life. Includes over 70 recipes to help make the transition to a Grain Brain-approved diet easier.
Key takeaways
- The human diet has dramatically changed since the industrial revolution.
- Modern diets are higher in grain, sugar and carbs, which increase the risk of cognitive decline.
- Certain compounds found in various foods can trigger neurological diseases.
- Changes in diet and lifestyle can reduce or reverse the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
- Grain Brain offers over 70 recipes and practical advice on how to make the transition to a Grain Brain lifestyle easier.
Author’s background and qualifications
David Perlmutter MD is board-certified neurological specialist and five-time New York Times bestselling author. He is a Fellow of the American College of Nutrition, a Medical Advisor to The Dr. Oz Show, and a member of the Institute of Functional Medicine Clinical Advisory Board. He is the founder and medical director of the Perlmutter Health Center in Naples, Florida.
Target audience
Grain Brain is primarily aimed at people who are looking to make dietary and lifestyle changes in order to improve their overall health and reduce their risk of developing neurological diseases. It is also helpful for healthcare professionals looking for modern approaches to managing patients and understanding brain health.
Publisher and first publication date
Grain Brain: The Surprising Truth about Wheat, Carbs, and Sugar–Your Brain’s Silent Killers was published by Little, Brown and Company on September 24th 2013.