Cultured

Freelance journalist and Scientific American contributing editor Courage (Octopus! The Most Mysterious Creature in the Sea) details the complexities of the human digestive system with regard to the tremendous diversity of microorganisms operating in the gut. In simplifying the evolving science, the author explains what a formidable role the gut plays in the human immune system and reveals the importance of fermented foods in maintaining a healthy balance of hardworking, health-supporting microbes. Courage vividly recounts details of her travels to places where daily consumption of fermented foods is embedded in the culture, such as Japan, Greece, Italy, and Switzerland. In these locales she meets people and learns about their fermenting techniques, here offering simple recipes for foods such as sauerkraut, yogurt, kimchi, pickles, and more. This well-written book differs from other works on the human gut in that it does not provide a prescriptive diet with dos and don'ts. VERDICT Highly recommended to general readers interested in the science of a healthy immune system.--Karen White, Univ. of Tennessee at Martin