Nutrition Essentials and Diet Therapy, 10th Edition provides an updated, concise, and practical approach to basic health care nutrition. This versatile text concentrates on what is most important for the health care provider to know about the nutrition basics and the application on nutrition knowledge. Content coverage includes the latest developments in nutrition fundamentals, nutrition across the life span, nutritional management of chronic and acute illnesses, and expanded coverage of vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and herbal remedies. "Facts and Fallacies" boxes identify common myths about nutrition and present the facts to help students better understand the subject matter. Teaching Pearls give counseling tips for applications of nutrition concepts. Critical Thinking Case Studies help students apply concepts to clinical practice. Chapter Challenge Questions and Classroom Activities at the end of each chapter present students with opportunity to review and discuss content. Includes the new 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the MyPyramid Food Guidance System and provides the most current standards in nutrition. Features expanded content on diabetes and renal disease to address the significant growth in the number of individuals being diagnosed with these problems. Additional coverage on the controversial low-carbohydrate versus low-fat diets keeps students aware of dieting trends and their impact on overall health. With disease prevention and health being an important focus of this text, this edition includes updates on cancer prevention, an increased focus on the prevention of childhood obesity, and an increased focus on food safety. Cultural Boxes in each chapter promote cultural awareness in nutrition.