It has become popular to blame the American obesity epidemic and many other health-related
problems on processed food. Many of these criticisms are valid for some processed-food items
but many statements are overgeneralizations that unfairly target a wide range products that
contribute to our health and well-being. In addition many of the proposed dangers allegedly
posed by eating processed food are exaggerations based on highly selective views of
experimental studies. We crave simple answers to our questions about food but the science
behind the proclamations of food pundits is not nearly as clear as they would have you believe.
This book presents a more nuanced view of the benefits and limitations of food processing and
exposes some of the tricks both Big Food and its critics use to manipulate us to adopt their
point of view. Food is a source of enjoyment a part of our cultural heritage a vital
ingredient in maintaining health and an expression of personal choice. We need to make those
choices based on credible information and not be beguiled by the sophisticated marketing tools
of Big Food nor the ideological appeals and gut feelings of self-appointed food gurus who have
little or no background in nutrition.
