"Providing students with a clear introduction to nutrition and metabolism, this book explains the scientific principles underlying our current understanding of the interactions between diet and health. It offers a concise and authoritative treatment of the biochemistry that must be understood as fundamental to the science of nutrition, which itself underlies the health and human sciences." "Beginning with the question "Why eat?", Dr Bender's text explores the physiological need for food and the role of diet in the development of the so-called "diseases of affluence", as well as more detailed discussions of the problems of obesity and undernutrition. The principles of chemistry are introduced - at a level appropriate for those with little or no previous knowledge - to provide a basis for the consideration of the metabolism of nutrients; this leads to a consideration of the structures of biologically important compounds. The discussion of metabolic pathways and their regulation is illustrated by clear and simple diagrams, and is linked at all times to the nutritional aspects. The metabolic and biochemical basis for nutrient requirements is fully explained, and hence also the basis of recommendations and dietary reference values." "Written primarily for undergraduate students of the health and human sciences, for whom there are few appropriate textbooks of biochemistry, the book will also be a valuable reference source for students of nursing at the diploma level, for others embarking on the scientific study of nutrition and food science, and as an introductory text for medical students. Complete with many clear illustrations and reference tables, the book provides a sound scientific foundation to the study of a key topic."--Jacket.