Most Delicious Poison: The Story of Nature's Toxins―From Spices to Vices

Name: Most Delicious Poison: The Story of Nature's Toxins―From Spices to Vices
Price: 27.90 USD
Availability: InStock

$27.90

Buying Options

Description

Book Synopsis: An evolutionary biologist tells the story of nature’s toxins and why we are attracted—and addicted—to them, in this “magisterial, fascinating, and gripping tour de force” (Neil Shubin). A deadly secret lurks within our spice racks, medicine cabinets, backyard gardens, and private stashes. Scratch beneath the surface of a coffee bean, a red pepper flake, a poppy seed, a mold spore, a foxglove leaf, a magic-mushroom cap, a marijuana bud, or an apple seed, and we find a bevy of strange chemicals. We use these to greet our days (caffeine), titillate our tongues (capsaicin), recover from surgery (opioids), cure infections (penicillin), mend our hearts (digoxin), bend our minds (psilocybin), calm our nerves (CBD), and even kill our enemies (cyanide). But why do plants and fungi produce such chemicals? And how did we come to use and abuse some of them? Based on cutting-edge science in the fields of evolution, chemistry, and neuroscience, Most Delicious Poison reveals:

The origins of toxins produced by plants, mushrooms, microbes, and even some animals
The mechanisms that animals evolved to overcome them
How a co-evolutionary arms race made its way into the human experience
And much more

This perpetual chemical war not only drove the diversification of life on Earth, but also is intimately tied to our own successes and failures. You will never look at a houseplant, mushroom, fruit, vegetable, or even the past five hundred years of human history the same way again.

Details

Are you ready to uncover the secrets behind nature's most delicious and addictive toxins? Introducing "Most Delicious Poison: The Story of Nature's Toxins―From Spices to Vices" - a captivating and eye-opening journey into the fascinating world of toxins. Written by an esteemed evolutionary biologist, this magisterial tour de force will leave you astounded and enthralled.

Delve into the mysteries that lie within your spice rack, medicine cabinet, backyard garden, and personal stash. From the depths of a coffee bean to the fiery touch of a red pepper flake, every element holds a treasure trove of strange and mesmerizing chemicals. Explore the origins of these toxins and their profound impact on our daily lives. It's time to unravel the captivating story behind our addiction to caffeine, capsaicin, opioids, penicillin, and so much more.

Prepare to be amazed as you discover the engaging science behind these intoxicating substances. Immerse yourself in the cutting-edge research that sheds light on the co-evolutionary arms race between plants, fungi, and animals. Learn how some organisms developed mechanisms to overcome these toxins and how we've harnessed their power for medicinal purposes.

With "Most Delicious Poison," you'll gain a newfound appreciation for the intricate dance of chemicals that shaped life on Earth. This remarkable book will forever transform the way you perceive houseplants, mushrooms, fruits, vegetables, and even the last five centuries of human history. Don't miss out on this gripping exploration of nature's hidden secrets.

To embark on this captivating journey into the world of nature's toxins, order your copy of "Most Delicious Poison" today. Uncover the mysteries, indulge in the fascinating science, and become truly enlightened.

See All Buying Options...

More Details...