Organic for Health
By Sandy Powers
ISBN-10: 0595473083
ISBN-13: 978-0595473083
Trade paperback, 112 pages
December 24, 2007
iUniverse
Reviewed for Front Street Reviews


Americans are being poisoned every day with food that has been approved by the United States Department of Agriculture. The USDA allows terrifying quantities of poisons and contaminants to remain inside the meat and produce that currently fills supermarket shelves. It is a legal practice, and Americans continue to believe the food supply is safe.

Sandy Powers' amazing recount of her battle with breast cancer is one that every American should take to heart. After the initial diagnosis, Powers was unable to have surgery to remove the tumor because the levels of enzymes in her liver were dangerously high, and surgery could cause total liver failure and death. Various tests could not explain the reason behind her illness. She went ahead with the risky surgery, but continued treatment could not be pursued due to the high levels of enzymes. Eventually, Powers decided to try an experiment on herself to heal her liver. She simply undertook an organic diet. It is probably no surprise that the change in diet restored her liver enzymes to healthy levels and positively affected her cholesterol, enabling her body to more effectively battle the cancer.

Powers' experience is the inspiration behind Organic for Health. As if her own story isn't convincing enough, she spends several chapters explaining how the food supply is processed and the dangerous (and disgusting) amounts of contaminants suppliers are allowed to ignore. She begins with "Hormones, Antibiotics, and E. coli," briefly covers the seafood industry, then provides some startling statistics on fertilizer and pesticides, including the "Dirty Dozen" most dangerous fruits and vegetables. The next few chapters follow a more positive note, listing specific foods that are rich in antioxidants, immune boosters, and phytonutrients (when purchased organically).

Possibly the most helpful chapter is one entitled "Useful Information," in which Powers provides the reader with tips for storing produce to ensure it gets used, given that organically grown food is often costly. The bulk of the book is made up of delicious recipes. The key to these recipes is that Powers has been able to find most of the ingredients in their organic forms, and most likely, the reader will be able to do the same. For those that may be intimidated by the whole process, the recipes are very simple, usually with only a few ingredients. This is truly back to basics cooking, proving we've strayed away from the wisdom of our ancestors with our current lifestyles.

The book closes with tips for growing fruits and vegetables, meditation, and a glossary of terms. There is a list of additional resources, but none of the organizations have websites listed--just addresses and phone numbers. Websites would have been helpful, because most people prefer email over snail mail these days. Regardless, Organic for Health provides an important introduction to the benefits of organic food.

Sandy Powers has created the type of book that will change lives. She approaches the subject matter from a basic, introductory standpoint. This allows any reader to ease into the idea of major dietary changes, progressing at a comfortable pace. If there was any doubt the US government allows profit to prevail over general well-being, Organic for Health will eliminate that doubt.