Book Analysis of In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan Essay Sample

American author, Michael Pollan, assails some of the most fundamental principles of nutrition in his novel, In Defense of Food. Pollan refers to the term “nutritionism” as an ideology, meaning that foods are essentially the sum of their nutrient parts. Furthermore, Pollan states that “the whole point of eating is to maintain and promote bodily health” (69). Pollan also argues that food should be divided by good nutrients and bad, proteins vs. carbohydrates. Pollan alludes to scientist, Gyorgy Scrinis, who suggests that even processed foods may be considered “healthier” for you than whole foods if they contain the appropriate quantities of some nutrients. In contrast to theories about whole foods, manufacturers can add vital nutrients to processed foods that could improve health. For example, butter with bad nutrients (cholesterol and saturated fats) can be replaced with good nutrients and essential vitamins. Processed foods can be reengineered to avoid ingredients that may cause health issues, including heart attacks and cancer. In 1973, the FDA repealed the rule concerning imitation foods which gave food scientists the ability to engineer real foods into nutritionally equivalent “fake” foods. Customers can now purchase foods that are cheaper and still offer nutritional value. Changing the idea of processed foods creates a different perspective on health and wellness. Nutritionism has become the official ideology of the Food and Drug Administration. Pollan concludes the importance of “scientific” eating and that food is nothing more than the sum of their recognized nutrients. 

Pollan would like to see us spend more money and time on food, which is more than possible. Although processed foods provide good nutrients, organic foods can be seen as safer and better tasting. Organic meat, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Therefore, organic food is produced without using pesticides, bioengineering, or radiation. In some cases, growing organic products can be time consuming which ultimately makes them more expensive. Our food system has long devoted its energies to increasing yields which has created a blind spot, according to the Organic Center. In other words, erosion in the nutritional quality of our food has gone unnoticed by scientists, government, and consumers. The result is such that we have to eat more to get the same amount of various essential nutrients. Now, when we eat whole foods, we are getting substantially less nutrition per calorie than we use to. Pollan pushes for an investment in organic foods which would give consumers an appropriate amount of nutrients, without overeating. Nutritional inflation seems to have two fundamental causes: “changes in the way we grow food and changes in the kinds of food we grow” (291).  Organically grown plants have access to more soil minerals but take longer to grow. With increasing population, farmers don’t have time to grow organic foods. In the attempt to increase the production of organic foods, Americans can eat less and avoid problems such as obesity and chronic diseases. 

According to Pollan, eating plants is beneficial and offers essential nutrients, such as vitamin C. Plants can also help the body eliminate different kinds of toxins which can reduce the risk of health problems. In countries where people eat a pound or more of fruits and vegetables a day, the rate of cancer is half what it is in the United States. By eating a plant-based diet, you will likely consume fewer calories, a great way to lose weight. Pollan states: “Unlike plants, which we can not live without, we don’t need to eat meat” (283). Several studies show that the more meat there is in your diet, the greater your risk of heart disease. Although meat supplies the body with amino acids, its recommended to limit the consumption and eat more plants. In my opinion, meats and vegetables are both essential for a balanced diet and switching my selection of foods would likely lead to depression or mood changes. Meat is tasty and offers high levels of protein. In closing, studies have some that, vegetarians have lower rates of chronic disease. However, vegetarian diets aren’t automatically healthier because meat substitutes are highly processed and could harm your health. 

People eating a Western diet are prone to diseases and other health related issues. Pollan reiterates five fundamental transformations of eating that will change your thinking about food. The industry shifted towards increasingly refined foods which contradicts Pollans’ propositions. According to the novel, processed foods can be reengineered to supplement nutritional value. Processed foods are made to give quantity not quality. Americans are being overfed and malnourished. 

To sum it all up, Pollan has significantly changed my view on nutrition. In the so-called western diet, Americans tend to eat too much food that contains very little nutrients. FOOD NEEDS DEFENSE. Scientists and consumers are in confusion about what to eat. Pollan explains why Americans have become obese and gives possible solutions to the problem. Furthermore, Pollan proposes that we: Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants. Suggesting that we eat food in alternative ways including well-grown, unprocessed foods. Overall, change from Pollan is enforced and emphasized so that society can return to proper eating. Moreover, Pollan shows us how we can start making thoughtful food choices that will bring pleasure back to eating. In Defense of Food shows us how to change, one meal at a time.