The Best Books for Health, Longevity, and Curiosity: Our End of Year List

This list travels a long distance. It moves from the precise, cutting-edge science of glucose spikes to the frozen, morphine-hazed reality of Mikhail Bulgakov’s revolutionary Russia. It explores the mechanics of a single breath and the theoretical future of interstellar travel.

For a successful start to the new year, we have listed here our 8 favorite books.

Non-Fiction

Understanding the Body

These recommendations dive deep into the biological reality of living well. They align perfectly with the Aware mission of using data to support a longer, healthier life.

1. How Not to Die by Michael Greger

Physician Michael Greger reveals how simple changes in our diet can prevent us from getting diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. All of his findings are backed by data-intensive research.

The nutritional lifestyle changes suggested in his book focus around a plant-based, whole food diet. Dr. Greger uses a myriad of science-backed recommendations to help you increase longevity and reverse chronic issues. It is a powerful resource for understanding how nutrition directly impacts the biomarkers we measure in our labs.

• Our key takeaway: Groundbreaking science on how daily food choices can fight diseases and boost vitality. It challenges you to look at food as part of medicine.
• “The primary reason diseases tend to run in families may be that diets tend to run in families.” ― Michael Greger

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2. Good Energy by Casey Means

Biochemist Dr. Casey Means is dedicated to helping people understand the role metabolism plays in our lives. In her book, she explains how "good energy" is not just about feeling awake, but about how our cells produce power. This aligns with our philosophy of tracking biomarkers to understand your internal health.

The book lists scientifically proven hacks to improve your health by flattening your glucose curve. Her advice on eating macronutrients in the right order to help you feel better and lose weight is invaluable.

• Our key takeaway: A comprehensive guide on how to flatten your glucose curve to improve your mood and longevity. Definitely one of our best books about the importance of stable blood sugar levels.

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3. Breath by James Nestor

We breathe about 25,000 times a day, but most of us are doing it wrong. James Nestor travels the world to understand the lost art of breathing. He explores how modern habits have changed our physiology and how returning to proper breathing techniques can transform our health.

James Nestor argues that breath can influence everything from sleep quality to stress levels. It is a fascinating look at a biological function we often ignore, yet it is fundamental to the preventative health mindset we champion at Aware.

• Our key takeaway: Breathing is a missing pillar of health. Small adjustments, like nose breathing, can have a profound impact on your nervous system.

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4. Immune by Philipp Dettmer

The immune system is one of the most complex systems in the human body. Philipp Dettmer, creator of the popular science channel Kurzgesagt, breaks it down in a way that is incredibly engaging.

He takes you on a journey through the fortress of your body, explaining how your cells fight off invaders daily. Understanding these defenses is crucial for preventative care. It reminds us that our health is an active process we can support through our choices.

• Our key takeaway: Your body is a vast, dynamic landscape that fights for you every second. Understanding this helps you appreciate the importance of sleep and nutrition.
• “The immune system is not a shield. It is a living, breathing, biological entity that requires care.” ― Philipp Dettmer

Mindset, History, and Future

Health is also about how we view the world. These book picks cover the impact of the modern world on our minds, the history of science, and where we are going next.

5. The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

Mental well-being is inseparable from physical health. Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt investigates the rise of anxiety in the digital age.

He explores how the "phone-based childhood" has rewired our brains. This is a crucial read for understanding the environmental factors that contribute to stress today. At Aware, we know that managing stress is key to maintaining healthy biomarker levels.

• Our key takeaway: Our environment and technology shape our brains. Reclaiming our attention is vital for mental resilience.
• “We have overprotected children in the real world and underprotected them in the virtual world.” ― Jonathan Haidt

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6. A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson

If you want to understand the context of human existence, this is the book. Bill Bryson takes on the impossible task of explaining the history of science, from the Big Bang to the rise of civilization.

He does it with wit and wonder, putting our biological existence into a humble, cosmic perspective. It reminds us how lucky we are to be here, healthy and alive.

• Our key takeaway: The fact that we exist at all is a statistical miracle. This book inspires a deep appreciation for life and the planet we inhabit.
• “We are a planet of bacteria that is surrounding a sun that is basically a nuclear explosion. And we are worried about the stock market.” ― Bill Bryson

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7. The Future of Humanity by Michio Kaku

Where is the human species headed next? Michio Kaku takes a bold look at the future, exploring concepts like terraforming Mars, interstellar travel, and the next stage of human evolution.

It is a mind-expanding read that forces you to think about the long term. For those interested in the future of science and technology, this book offers a thrilling glimpse of what might be possible.

• Our key takeaway: We are on the brink of a new era. Understanding where science is going helps us prepare for the changes ahead.

Visit Author Website

Fiction

8. A Young Doctor's Notebook by Mikhail Bulgakov

This classic collection draws from Bulgakov’s own experiences as a newly graduated physician in revolutionary Russia. While the medical cases are gripping, the latter part of the book is particularly worthwhile, detailing a harrowing descent into morphine addiction.

Bulgakov provides a first-person account of dependency that is both terrifying and honest. It serves as a dark but necessary reminder of the fragility of human biology and the power chemical substances hold over us.

• Our key takeaway: A raw portrayal of the human side of medicine. The depiction of opioid addiction is a stark warning about the vulnerability of the human mind.

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Start Your Year with Curiosity

Whether you want to understand your metabolism better, learn how to breathe for longevity, or simply get lost in a great story, we hope this list gives you plenty of inspiration.

At Aware, our goal is to empower you with the insights you need to live a healthier life. We hope these books spark the same curiosity in you that they did in us.

Happy reading and happy holidays from the entire team at Aware.

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