Let Them Eat Flax: 70 All-New Commentaries on the Science of Everyday Food and Life

Alan Belk is a sessional instructor in the Philosophy Department at the
University of Guelph.

The basic problem of food consumption is not rocket science. If we
ingest more calories than we work out, then we will store the excess as
fat. Obesity, heart and circulation problems, and a whole host of
ailments associated with them will likely ensue. So a healthy diet is
one that matches our energy output with our energy input; provides all
the vitamins and minerals we need; is light on carcinogens; and contains
“good” fats, antioxidants, and anticarcinogens.

We know this and yet we find it difficult to maintain a healthy
lifestyle, and I think therein lies the difficulty: our food habits are
inextricably linked to our social habits, and many of these are
influenced by people and organizations whose first concern is not our
good health. According to Statistics Canada, in 2001 the major causes of
death for Canadians were diseases of the circulatory system (34 percent)
and cancers (29 percent).

A problem as complex as changing the eating habits of a nation requires
a multi-faceted approach. Dr. Schwarcz uses science and reason to show
and to justify why you might want to drink more pomegranate juice, eat
more fruits and vegetables than you now do, avoid vitamin E supplements,
and consider everything you read in the papers or view on TV regarding
diet and cancer with a dose of healthy cynicism. He writes with humour
and simplicity and without condescension.