Analysis Of Michael Pollan's In Defense Of Food

Many argue the importance of food and its nutritional value. Food Science has been a heavily debated topic for years. Today, this topic sparks even more controversy. In Michael Pollan’s book In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto, Pollan shares several aspects of insight on different topics about health and how it should be approached. Pollan breaks down his overall beliefs and explanations from food nutrients to health risk factors. This book has allowed many readers and scientists to approach eating and health from different perspectives. Pollan conveys several messages and lessons to the reader throughout the course of his book. His initial message is, “Eat Food. Not Too Much. Mostly Plants.” In his introduction Pollan tells the reader that it’s not always how much you eat but what you are eating. He uses a personal example of his relatives from grandmother, to mother, and then himself with the virtues of eating. As the years changed, what he ate changed. Pollan believes that all people have the ability to eat well, but their habits are passed down through generations. Another important message Pollan heavily touches on is the food industry. He believes that the industry is the reason for most of the problems in America. In many cases this proves to be true. People will listen to almost

This book was published in 2008. I do believe that many if not all of the topics Pollan argues are still relevant today. Health and personal well-being is still an important topic constantly being talked about. Socially, this topic is extremely popular and always in conversation between people and experts. The economy also plays a huge roll in health. What people are able to afford most likely determines what they will eat. Scientifically, Pollan’s message doesn’t match to agree with all other experts. That is what makes his messages stand out from other