An interesting book, but not particularly well-researched. The author is a sociologist, not a scientist, and I'm afraid that it shows. He picks apart studies that he doesn't agree with (sometimes for very logical reasons), but doesn't present any contradictory studies or empiric data; his arguments mostly rely on conjecture and personal opinion. So-called "experts" that he agrees with go along unchallenged, and those that he disagrees with are vilified. I laughed out loud at one point, a flavor technologist is talking about how silly he finds Americans' views about natural flavors v. artificial ones, and how (this is a direct quote) "vanilla, which comes from an extract of the orchid bean, and vanillin, which tastes the same and is nearly identical chemically, but is made from wood pulp..." Huh?? Anyone who contends that real vanilla and artificial vanilla flavoring taste the same must have had their tongue seared off in an industrial accident.

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I agree with Melody N. (Snick) who stated
An interesting book, but not particularly well-researched.

I was not very far into this book before I started to notice that he picked apart studies, and wants me to believe that possibly I am confused about what is good nutrition. He doesnt actually prove his points, they are mostly just opinion, although he uses lots of footnotes, and references, all found in the back of his book.

I did see his point that Americans equate Natural with good, and safe, and healthy, and the French equate Natural with the word Fresh.

I have to agree that I dont think just because it is natural it is better or safe. Poison Ivy is natural but I wont be eating it. I am also allergic to some things that are natural.

So I am in agreement with him that natural doesnt mean healthy or better or safe. I just think that the American diet is flawed, over processed and has many additives that are not good for us.

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