The Antioxidant Miracle: Put Lipoic Acid, Pycnogenol, and Vitamins E and C to Work for You (Paperback)

~ (Author), (Author) "Suppose that I told you there was a pill that would keep your heart strong, your mind sharp, and your body youthful well into your..." (more)
Key Phrases: entire antioxidant network, other network antioxidants, antioxidant advantage, Packer Plan, United States, Packer Lab (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

A pill that strengthens your heart, sharpens your mind, keeps your body young, extends your life, prevents cancer, and keeps your skin wrinkle-free? Sounds like a joke or a dream, doesn't it? According to molecular cell biologist Lester Packer, these pills exist--they are antioxidants. "Literally thousands of studies have confirmed that antioxidants can help prevent numerous diseases and will not only enhance life, but in all probability extend life," he writes. In The Antioxidant Miracle, he describes breakthroughs in antioxidant research and prescribes the Packer Plan: his "state-of-the-art antioxidant supplement, diet, and skin-care regimen."

According to Packer, five antioxidants "network" in our bodies with "special powers" that slow aging and fight disease: Vitamins C and E, glutathione, lipoic acid, and Coenzyme Q10. The first two are obtained through food, the others are produced by the body, but these levels decline as we age, so we need to supplement. Packer describes the benefits and actions of these special antioxidants and also recommends flavonoids such as ginkgo biloba and pycnogenol (made from the bark of pine trees), a number of carotenoids, selenium, and a variety of foods high in antioxidants. He spells out exactly what supplements you need and how much, with special modifications for smokers, diabetics, menopausal women, athletes, and people at high risk of cancer or cardiovascular disease. The book is not easy reading: lots of scientific explanations and study descriptions. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"For those of us seeking to combat the debility and diseases of aging, The Antioxidant Miracle is an essential tool." -- William Regelson, M.D.coauthor of the New York Times bestseller, The Melatonin Miracle

Finally, a book by a renowned and active researcher that proves the value of nutritional supplements. The Antioxidant Miracle provides a shield protecting us from disease and ensuring health. The information in this book could save your life!-Julian Whitaker, M.D. founder, Whitaker Wellness Institute; editor, Health and Healing


"For those of us seeking to combat the debility and diseases of aging, The Antioxidant Miracle is an essential tool."-William Regelson, M.D.coauthor of the New York Times bestseller, The Melatonin Miracle

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (December 10, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471353116
• ISBN-13: 978-0471353119
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #94,408 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #3 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Nutrition > Antioxidants & Phytochemicals
  #27 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Alternative Medicine > Vitamins
  #34 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Nutrition > Vitamins & Supplements

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting if it's your first look at antioxidants, October 12, 1999

By	Spiff (Europe) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Antioxidant Miracle: Put Lipoic Acid, Pycnogenol, and Vitamins E and C to Work for You (Hardcover)

I liked Packer's book. He managed to leave the subject interesting enough for people who are not experienced with antioxidants. I honestly had little clue about it and the book explains things quite well.

Of course only an expert can point any serious mistakes in this book and maybe other flaws, but the public in general will like it.

After reading the book, I thought it was amazing how people were not taking those antioxidant cocktails, it makes no sense, why not?

Of course, after visiting a few health shops (locally and on the internet) my doubts were cleared. THE PRICE. Buying all supplements separately is outrageously expensive (At least for 24 year old unemployed student like me). Buying the whole pack from Lester will be cheaper, but we're still talking about some considerable $.

Of course, the first move is to change your diet and start eating better, then choose the supplements better for you (in all a$pects).

Packer does repeat himself a bit, but it makes sense repeating some info in different areas of the book.

Overall I liked it...

37 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting & current book on antioxidents, February 4, 2000

By	Jeff Reese "jruxkt" (Honolulu, HI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Antioxidant Miracle: Put Lipoic Acid, Pycnogenol, and Vitamins E and C to Work for You (Hardcover)

This is the book I recommend to my intelligent friends who have been skeptical about the many claims being made for antioxidents, who are confused by the great array of conflicting nutritional viewpoints, or who have been resistant to the idea of taking nutritional supplements . Although having the word "miracle" in the title may be a "turn-off" for some of the more skeptical readers, it is not a reflection on the integrity of the scientific information Dr. Packer provides and I suspect it was probably chosen to make the book more "marketable" to the general public. In my experience, some of the best books on health are written by senior scientists who are secure enough in their careers that they can say what they really think and know, motivated by humanitarian concerns rather than catering to the agendas of tenure review committees, peers, and corporate sponsors and who are not out to promote their own products or books. Dr. Packer fills the bill as a trustworthy, extremely knowledgeable expert who is in a position to give us an accurate analysis of the state-of-the-art knowledge and the future promise of antioxidents in human health. I figured I already knew a lot about antioxidents, but I was surprised by new information on almost every page. I especially enjoyed reading about how the antioxidents interact in a "network" and the important role of the little known antioxident, Lipoic Acid. Dr. Packer strikes a nice balance either between being too technical or being too simplistic for the educated lay reader. Although I think you will really learn a great deal from reading the whole book, if you do nothing else, get this book and skip to the back and follow the suggestions in the "Packer Plan" which can be very easily accomplished. My hat's off to you, Dr. Packer, for writing this fine book which is bound to positively effect the health of just about everyone who follows your suggestions.

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars New research and info on antioxidants' health benefits., March 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Antioxidant Miracle: Put Lipoic Acid, Pycnogenol, and Vitamins E and C to Work for You (Hardcover)

Much of what we know about antioxidant nutrients we first learn from molecular biologists, who are on the front lines of research into the health benefits of these vitamins. For 40 years Dr. Packer has been a leading researcher fueling the antioxidant revolution. His latest book puts the power of antioxidants in easily understandable terms for the general public. Many people are now enthusiastically consuming vitamins C and E. Dr. Packer's research has discovered a network of five antioxidant nutrients--C and E along with coenzyme Q10, lipoic acid and glutathione--that do more than simply neutralize free radicals. The network also apparently has profound influences on genetic behavior--the foundation of our bodies and our health. The fascinating and quite reader-friendly book details compelling research into the myriad health benefits of the nutrients that comprise the antioxidant network. A must-read!