Watch In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto

In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto is a documentary film that takes a closer look at the Western diet and explores why it contributes to the rise of chronic diseases in our society. The film is based on a book by Michael Pollan, who also narrates the documentary. Pollan argues that we have become too reliant on processed foods and that our diets are overly focused on nutrients instead of whole foods. He notes that this approach has led to a rise in obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other health problems.

The film tackles the issue of nutrition science, which has become increasingly complex and hard for the average person to navigate. Pollan argues that this is because the focus has shifted away from whole foods and towards individual nutrients, which has made healthy eating seem more complicated than it needs to be.

To drive this point home, the documentary explores the history of the Western diet and how it has evolved over the years. It goes all the way back to the 19th century, when processed foods first became popular, and follows the story through to present day. Along the way, we learn about the marketing tactics that have been used to convince us that processed foods are healthy and convenient.

The film also features interviews with scientists, nutritionists, and doctors who discuss the problems with the Western diet and offer their perspectives on how to fix it. One scientist argues that our bodies are not designed to digest processed foods and that they contribute to inflammation, which is a major factor in many chronic diseases.

Another expert suggests that we need to take a more holistic approach to nutrition and focus on whole foods. She notes that different foods can have synergistic effects on our bodies that don't show up when we just look at individual nutrients.

Throughout the film, Pollan offers practical tips for how people can improve their diets. He recommends eating more whole foods, cooking at home instead of eating out, and avoiding processed foods as much as possible. He also suggests paying attention to where our food comes from and supporting local farmers.

One of the key messages of In Defense of Food is that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated. By focusing on whole foods and avoiding processed foods, we can improve our health and prevent chronic diseases. The film takes viewers on a journey through the history of the Western diet and shows them how we got to where we are today. It offers insights from experts in nutrition science and provides practical tips that anyone can start implementing in their daily lives.

Overall, In Defense of Food is an eye-opening documentary that challenges our assumptions about healthy eating and provides a roadmap for how we can improve our diets. It emphasizes the importance of whole foods and shows us how to navigate the confusing world of nutrition science. Whether you're a health enthusiast or just curious about the food we eat, this film is sure to leave you with plenty to think about.

In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 55 minutes.