Tapestry Press
In Defense of Foods
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Tapestry Press
In Defense of Foods
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In Defense of Foods by Michael Pollan. 2008. Penguin Press. 244p. After evaluating our food and agricultural industries, Michael offers a severe critique. He argues that fat intake in our diet has little relation to heart disease or cancer. He believes that trans fats cause more illness than saturated fats. Our diet, which he terms the western diet, is rich in highly processed foods, high in fats and high fructose corn syrup. He recognizes cancer, heart disease, obesity and diabetes as western diseases correlated with the consumption of our diet. Ironically, southern Europeans are slowly shifting from their healthy Mediterranean diet to our unhealthy western diet. Michael recommends eating natural whole foods, not too much, mostly plants. He selects foods with ingredients that have recognizable names. Items such as eggs; not BHT. He cautions readers to avoid trans fats, commonly found in snack crackers, biscuits, etc. Foods containing partially hydrogenated fats typically contain trans fats. He argues that these choices help us avoid western diseases. He praises the slow food movement begun in Europe that challenges fast food empires. Michael emphasizes the pleasure of eating good food. Good food derives from fertile soil which supports healthy plants and animals. It connects us to the living world. Our health depends on the health of our environment.
Written December 21, 2008. Back to Book Reviews
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