1st blog: My Response to Michael Pollan

Michael Pollan says that today’s foods are merely synthetic husks of what used to be food. It’s a bold statement, but nevertheless true. I believe that his views on the “Western Diet” and other culture’s diets.
First, when describing the “Western Diet,” he says it comprises of “highly processed foods… refined grains… chemically grown crops… and a superabundance of cheap calories in the form of sugar and fat…” If we were to look at any single American, it can be pretty safe to assume that all these things forms his/her diet, and therefore aiding to the “Western diseases (like) obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.” So thus far, Pollan is spot on.
The second point he makes is about cultures outside of the restraints of the Western diet; cultures whose diets consist of “high far, low fat or high carb; all meat or all plant.” And yet, these diets seem to help these other populations to very healthy and Western disease-free lives. This goes to show that by getting back to basics are eating what we used to call food, we can help to eliminate the ever present threat of Western diseases.
I have also found “The New York Times” review of Pollan’s book. From what I can tell, the Times loves him, for good reason too. He brings about a point which really can’t be argued against. It’s a proven fact that America has a very unique diet, and along with that comes the very unique consequences.
All-in-all, I am a firm believer in what Pollan is trying to tell everyone. I also believe that we need to bring about a change in the way America views our food supply, if I might be so bold to actually call it that, and forever rid ourselves of these nasty Western diseases!