Marion Nestle

I requested Unsavory Truth by Marion Nestle from Netgalley because I was interested in learning more about just how the unsuspecting and trusting public is being manipulated by companies. I've known for years how news articles about health have been manipulated, ever since an article I read years ago about how doctors who ate nuts were healthier than those who didn't. The last paragraph in the article mentioned that the study was sponsored by The Nut Growers Association. Hmmm.

I had to read this book in fits and starts because it was rage inducing! The book was fascinating, unsurprising (because I'm a cynical grump) and infuriating! As I got into the book, the author discusses how the strawberry industry was actively seeking studies linking their product to good health and realized I had just seen a headline about how strawberries are good for digestive health. Ugh.

This book tackles the myths with the hard truth behind all the hyperbole and psuedo-science thrown at us every day in the news. From scientists' bias, whether conscious or sub-conscious to active marketing of these biased findings to the public. So maddening! At this point, they could try to sell me a study about how the sky is blue and I still wouldn't believe it.

This was an excellent read, and one I've already recommended to several people and will continue to do so. It's an important tool against this bad "science" they're peddling and will only be of benefit in the long run.… (mer)

I read selected chapters of this book. There is quite a bit of good information in here. This is not a "food fad" book. Marion Nestle seems to be fairy traditional about what is good for you and what is bad for you (in other words, stay on a low fat diet, but I know there's been recent research on that topic that states otherwise). There is so much conflicting information about food out there in books and on the web. I've been trying to navigate my way around all of this information so I can make reasonable choices as to what I eat.

Personally, I think eggs are good for you and eat a lot more of them than she recommends. But I did like the chapter on eggs.

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Looking at some of the other reviews, I realize that since I only read chapters on the topics that interested me (eggs, oils, etc.) I totally missed the political aspect of her book. So I can't comment on that, but now I'm thinking I should go skim this book again and see what got some people riled up.… (mer)