Red Pen Reviews
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We review nutrition books https://www.redpenreviews.org/
10/ 🤝 Support Independent Science Reviews:
We are a non-profit organization dedicated to unbiased, professional nutrition reviews. We don't take industry money.
If you value this work, please consider donating to help us review the next bestseller. 👇
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We are a non-profit organization dedicated to unbiased, professional nutrition reviews. We don't take industry money.
If you value this work, please consider donating to help us review the next bestseller. 👇
redpenreviews.org/donation/
Donation – Red Pen Reviews
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December 10, 2025 at 3:19 PM
10/ 🤝 Support Independent Science Reviews:
We are a non-profit organization dedicated to unbiased, professional nutrition reviews. We don't take industry money.
If you value this work, please consider donating to help us review the next bestseller. 👇
redpenreviews.org/donation/
We are a non-profit organization dedicated to unbiased, professional nutrition reviews. We don't take industry money.
If you value this work, please consider donating to help us review the next bestseller. 👇
redpenreviews.org/donation/
9/ 🔍 The Bottom Line:
"Good Energy" is a healthy but overzealous manifesto. It rightly highlights the crisis of metabolic health but glosses over complexity to sell a "simple" solution.
Read our full, evidence-based breakdown here: www.redpenreviews.org/book-review/...
"Good Energy" is a healthy but overzealous manifesto. It rightly highlights the crisis of metabolic health but glosses over complexity to sell a "simple" solution.
Read our full, evidence-based breakdown here: www.redpenreviews.org/book-review/...
Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health – Red Pen Reviews
www.redpenreviews.org
December 10, 2025 at 3:19 PM
9/ 🔍 The Bottom Line:
"Good Energy" is a healthy but overzealous manifesto. It rightly highlights the crisis of metabolic health but glosses over complexity to sell a "simple" solution.
Read our full, evidence-based breakdown here: www.redpenreviews.org/book-review/...
"Good Energy" is a healthy but overzealous manifesto. It rightly highlights the crisis of metabolic health but glosses over complexity to sell a "simple" solution.
Read our full, evidence-based breakdown here: www.redpenreviews.org/book-review/...
8/ 🚩 Overpromising:
The book suggests "Good Energy" can prevent or reverse conditions like cancer and Alzheimer’s.
These claims go far beyond current evidence. While metabolic health is vital, it is not a guaranteed cure-all for every biological ailment.
The book suggests "Good Energy" can prevent or reverse conditions like cancer and Alzheimer’s.
These claims go far beyond current evidence. While metabolic health is vital, it is not a guaranteed cure-all for every biological ailment.
December 10, 2025 at 3:19 PM
8/ 🚩 Overpromising:
The book suggests "Good Energy" can prevent or reverse conditions like cancer and Alzheimer’s.
These claims go far beyond current evidence. While metabolic health is vital, it is not a guaranteed cure-all for every biological ailment.
The book suggests "Good Energy" can prevent or reverse conditions like cancer and Alzheimer’s.
These claims go far beyond current evidence. While metabolic health is vital, it is not a guaranteed cure-all for every biological ailment.
7/ 😓 The Difficulty Level:
We rated this program "Very Difficult"
Between organic food, high-end water filters, and 25 "Good Energy habits" (like cold plunges and meditation), we estimate the program requires 10-20 hours per week. It is expensive and demanding.
We rated this program "Very Difficult"
Between organic food, high-end water filters, and 25 "Good Energy habits" (like cold plunges and meditation), we estimate the program requires 10-20 hours per week. It is expensive and demanding.
December 10, 2025 at 3:19 PM
7/ 😓 The Difficulty Level:
We rated this program "Very Difficult"
Between organic food, high-end water filters, and 25 "Good Energy habits" (like cold plunges and meditation), we estimate the program requires 10-20 hours per week. It is expensive and demanding.
We rated this program "Very Difficult"
Between organic food, high-end water filters, and 25 "Good Energy habits" (like cold plunges and meditation), we estimate the program requires 10-20 hours per week. It is expensive and demanding.
6/ 🍬 The "Unholy Trinity":
The book declares war on added sugar, refined grains, and seed oils.
Our take? • Sugar: We agree (Score: 4/4). • Seed oils: The evidence suggests they are fine in moderation and better than saturated fats, making this claim less supported.
The book declares war on added sugar, refined grains, and seed oils.
Our take? • Sugar: We agree (Score: 4/4). • Seed oils: The evidence suggests they are fine in moderation and better than saturated fats, making this claim less supported.
December 10, 2025 at 3:19 PM
6/ 🍬 The "Unholy Trinity":
The book declares war on added sugar, refined grains, and seed oils.
Our take? • Sugar: We agree (Score: 4/4). • Seed oils: The evidence suggests they are fine in moderation and better than saturated fats, making this claim less supported.
The book declares war on added sugar, refined grains, and seed oils.
Our take? • Sugar: We agree (Score: 4/4). • Seed oils: The evidence suggests they are fine in moderation and better than saturated fats, making this claim less supported.
5/ 📉 Fact Check: Life Expectancy
The book claims that if you remove infectious diseases, life expectancy hasn't improved much in 120 years.
This is incorrect. Since 1960 alone, we've gained ~9 years, mostly due to better treatment of cardiovascular disease.
The book claims that if you remove infectious diseases, life expectancy hasn't improved much in 120 years.
This is incorrect. Since 1960 alone, we've gained ~9 years, mostly due to better treatment of cardiovascular disease.
December 10, 2025 at 3:19 PM
5/ 📉 Fact Check: Life Expectancy
The book claims that if you remove infectious diseases, life expectancy hasn't improved much in 120 years.
This is incorrect. Since 1960 alone, we've gained ~9 years, mostly due to better treatment of cardiovascular disease.
The book claims that if you remove infectious diseases, life expectancy hasn't improved much in 120 years.
This is incorrect. Since 1960 alone, we've gained ~9 years, mostly due to better treatment of cardiovascular disease.
4/❌The Root Cause Trap:
The book claims nearly every health problem—from heart disease to depression—is rooted in "Bad Energy."
We found this oversimplifies complex diseases. For example, the link between metabolic health and depression is weakly supported.
The book claims nearly every health problem—from heart disease to depression—is rooted in "Bad Energy."
We found this oversimplifies complex diseases. For example, the link between metabolic health and depression is weakly supported.
December 10, 2025 at 3:19 PM
4/❌The Root Cause Trap:
The book claims nearly every health problem—from heart disease to depression—is rooted in "Bad Energy."
We found this oversimplifies complex diseases. For example, the link between metabolic health and depression is weakly supported.
The book claims nearly every health problem—from heart disease to depression—is rooted in "Bad Energy."
We found this oversimplifies complex diseases. For example, the link between metabolic health and depression is weakly supported.
3/ ✅ The Good News:
The book argues that metabolic health is central to overall health. Our review found this is moderately well supported by evidence.
The diet advice (whole foods, high protein/fiber, low sugar) would likely improve physical and mental health for most people.
The book argues that metabolic health is central to overall health. Our review found this is moderately well supported by evidence.
The diet advice (whole foods, high protein/fiber, low sugar) would likely improve physical and mental health for most people.
December 10, 2025 at 3:19 PM
3/ ✅ The Good News:
The book argues that metabolic health is central to overall health. Our review found this is moderately well supported by evidence.
The diet advice (whole foods, high protein/fiber, low sugar) would likely improve physical and mental health for most people.
The book argues that metabolic health is central to overall health. Our review found this is moderately well supported by evidence.
The diet advice (whole foods, high protein/fiber, low sugar) would likely improve physical and mental health for most people.
2/ 📊 The High-Level Scores:
Overall Score: 79% Scientific Accuracy: 75% Reference Accuracy: 78% Healthfulness: 83% Difficulty: Very Difficult
The verdict? The central thesis is strong, but the book oversimplifies disease and overpromises on results.
Overall Score: 79% Scientific Accuracy: 75% Reference Accuracy: 78% Healthfulness: 83% Difficulty: Very Difficult
The verdict? The central thesis is strong, but the book oversimplifies disease and overpromises on results.
December 10, 2025 at 3:19 PM
2/ 📊 The High-Level Scores:
Overall Score: 79% Scientific Accuracy: 75% Reference Accuracy: 78% Healthfulness: 83% Difficulty: Very Difficult
The verdict? The central thesis is strong, but the book oversimplifies disease and overpromises on results.
Overall Score: 79% Scientific Accuracy: 75% Reference Accuracy: 78% Healthfulness: 83% Difficulty: Very Difficult
The verdict? The central thesis is strong, but the book oversimplifies disease and overpromises on results.
Read our full, detailed review of The Plant Paradox at redpenreviews.org 📚
#NutritionScience #BookReview #PlantParadox (13/13) www.redpenreviews.org/reviews/the-...
#NutritionScience #BookReview #PlantParadox (13/13) www.redpenreviews.org/reviews/the-...
The Plant Paradox expert review • Red Pen Reviews
The Plant Paradox argues that substances in plant foods called lectins cause obesity and chronic disease. Is it evidence-based?
www.redpenreviews.org
February 13, 2025 at 3:17 AM
Read our full, detailed review of The Plant Paradox at redpenreviews.org 📚
#NutritionScience #BookReview #PlantParadox (13/13) www.redpenreviews.org/reviews/the-...
#NutritionScience #BookReview #PlantParadox (13/13) www.redpenreviews.org/reviews/the-...
Bottom line: While the diet may have general health benefits for those who can follow it, there's insufficient evidence that avoiding common dietary lectins is beneficial for most people. (12/13)
February 13, 2025 at 3:17 AM
Bottom line: While the diet may have general health benefits for those who can follow it, there's insufficient evidence that avoiding common dietary lectins is beneficial for most people. (12/13)
Our reviewers note that had these ideas been presented as hypotheses to be tested, rather than established scientific findings, it could have opened the door for valuable research into plant lectins and health. (11/13)
February 13, 2025 at 3:17 AM
Our reviewers note that had these ideas been presented as hypotheses to be tested, rather than established scientific findings, it could have opened the door for valuable research into plant lectins and health. (11/13)
The scientific literature on lectin effects is largely limited to cell culture and animal studies. We found no convincing human studies linking lectin intake to obesity or chronic disease. (10/13)
February 13, 2025 at 3:17 AM
The scientific literature on lectin effects is largely limited to cell culture and animal studies. We found no convincing human studies linking lectin intake to obesity or chronic disease. (10/13)
Important context: The author sells supplements recommended in the book, costing several hundred dollars per month - a significant conflict of interest that readers should consider. (9/13)
February 13, 2025 at 3:17 AM
Important context: The author sells supplements recommended in the book, costing several hundred dollars per month - a significant conflict of interest that readers should consider. (9/13)
The diet's nutrient-dense whole foods and exclusion of processed foods likely provide health benefits for those who can maintain it. However, the benefits of avoiding dietary lectins specifically remain unclear. (8/13)
February 13, 2025 at 3:17 AM
The diet's nutrient-dense whole foods and exclusion of processed foods likely provide health benefits for those who can maintain it. However, the benefits of avoiding dietary lectins specifically remain unclear. (8/13)
The book makes particularly unusual claims about fruit, stating it leads to weight gain and obesity. This contradicts existing research showing fruit consumption is consistently associated with lower weight gain in studies. (7/13)
February 13, 2025 at 3:17 AM
The book makes particularly unusual claims about fruit, stating it leads to weight gain and obesity. This contradicts existing research showing fruit consumption is consistently associated with lower weight gain in studies. (7/13)
While some claims in the book are well-supported by references, others rely on problematic citations. For example, a conference abstract by the author himself is used to support the claim that the program "cures autoimmune disease." (6/13)
February 13, 2025 at 3:17 AM
While some claims in the book are well-supported by references, others rely on problematic citations. For example, a conference abstract by the author himself is used to support the claim that the program "cures autoimmune disease." (6/13)
The program recommends eliminating or severely restricting common foods like grains, legumes, certain dairy products, most fruits, and nightshade vegetables. It's extremely restrictive and would be challenging for most people to follow long-term. (5/13)
February 13, 2025 at 3:17 AM
The program recommends eliminating or severely restricting common foods like grains, legumes, certain dairy products, most fruits, and nightshade vegetables. It's extremely restrictive and would be challenging for most people to follow long-term. (5/13)
Key finding: We found no substantial scientific evidence supporting the claim that lectins are a root cause of obesity or any of the chronic diseases mentioned in the book. (4/13)
February 13, 2025 at 3:17 AM
Key finding: We found no substantial scientific evidence supporting the claim that lectins are a root cause of obesity or any of the chronic diseases mentioned in the book. (4/13)
The book's central claim is that lectins (naturally-occurring substances in many plants) cause obesity and chronic diseases. The proposed solution: The Plant Paradox Program, which focuses on avoiding lectin-rich foods. (3/13)
February 13, 2025 at 3:17 AM
The book's central claim is that lectins (naturally-occurring substances in many plants) cause obesity and chronic diseases. The proposed solution: The Plant Paradox Program, which focuses on avoiding lectin-rich foods. (3/13)
Overall score: 49/100
Scientific accuracy: 26/100
Reference accuracy: 63/100
Healthfulness: 58/100
(2/13)
Scientific accuracy: 26/100
Reference accuracy: 63/100
Healthfulness: 58/100
(2/13)
February 13, 2025 at 3:17 AM
Overall score: 49/100
Scientific accuracy: 26/100
Reference accuracy: 63/100
Healthfulness: 58/100
(2/13)
Scientific accuracy: 26/100
Reference accuracy: 63/100
Healthfulness: 58/100
(2/13)
Conclusion: While the protocol shows promise for health promotion, some claims exceed current evidence. Many core principles align with established nutrition research, but the necessity of its strictest elements remains unproven. Full review available on our website. (12/12)
December 30, 2024 at 12:55 PM
Conclusion: While the protocol shows promise for health promotion, some claims exceed current evidence. Many core principles align with established nutrition research, but the necessity of its strictest elements remains unproven. Full review available on our website. (12/12)
Summary of our scoring:
Scientific accuracy: 58/100
Reference accuracy: 88/100
Healthfulness: 100/100
Overall score: 82/100 (11/12)
www.redpenreviews.org/reviews/the-...
Scientific accuracy: 58/100
Reference accuracy: 88/100
Healthfulness: 100/100
Overall score: 82/100 (11/12)
www.redpenreviews.org/reviews/the-...
The Longevity Diet expert review • Red Pen Reviews
The Longevity Diet argues that the right diet can delay aging and age-related diseases. Is it evidence-based?
www.redpenreviews.org
December 30, 2024 at 12:55 PM
Summary of our scoring:
Scientific accuracy: 58/100
Reference accuracy: 88/100
Healthfulness: 100/100
Overall score: 82/100 (11/12)
www.redpenreviews.org/reviews/the-...
Scientific accuracy: 58/100
Reference accuracy: 88/100
Healthfulness: 100/100
Overall score: 82/100 (11/12)
www.redpenreviews.org/reviews/the-...