In Defense Of Food Essay

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Michael Pollan makes arguments concerning the eating habits of the average American. Pollan suggests, in spite of our cultural norms, we should simply “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly Plants.” Pollan’s "In Defense of Food" was effective in presenting its argument. The documentary included many persuasive strategies that appealed to the reader and evoked reconsideration of food. Pollan approaches the argument with shocking imagery, evidence, and an overall presentation that provided a stark contrast between what is realistically healthy and what American society calls “food.” As the viewer I felt impressed and persuaded. Because the modern diet is centered around sugar, people are drawn to eat unhealthily. Most food we eat that is advertised …show more content…

According to Michael Pollan, the best way to eat healthily is to grow fresh vegetables. Pollan’s documentary effectively contributes evidence that eating mostly plants is naturally beneficial and prevents disease. In an experiment conducted by Steven O’Keefe, data reveals that colon cancer is more common in the United States than in Africa. The documentary simply states that the people of Africa eat mostly plants. Michael Pollan suggests that the lack of plant foods in the American diet causes a lack of fiber intake. After collecting this data, Steven O’Keefe swaps the diet of an African and American. This study eventually exposed that more vegetables in a diet can support colon health and prevent colon cancer. When stated so logically, Michael Pollan convinces the viewer that eating “mostly plants” is a necessary change for our health. He argues that historically, eating plants have been naturally healthy to various cultures and has potential to raise the well being of America. Unlike similar documentaries published, Michael Pollan’s “In Defense of Food” effectively shows how the American diet has failed to produce good eating habits. As members of this modern culture we are exposed to all the wrong eating approaches. Michael pollan successfully convinces the viewer it can be simple. He conclusively defends food as it is intended to be eaten, and exhorts the viewer to “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly

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