The word "documentary" usually brings to mind boring, monotonous movies on subjects nobody really cares about. But some food documentaries these days have become eye-openers to everyone who has wondered what is on their plate and where it comes from.
It is no secret that Americans eat unhealthy. We rarely know how our food is processed and packaged or even the nutritional value it carries. This is why several concerned consumers have decided to use documentaries to educate America about what it is eating.
The 5 must-watch food documentaries are:
5. Weight of the Nation: This four-part documentary is HBO's latest crusade against America's weight-related issues. Very effectively, it uses real people speaking about obesity and how they made their journey back to good health, to drive home the fact that it is time to change the way we eat. Watch the trailer here:
4. The Future of Food: This documentary is an in-depth investigation of the journey of genetically modified crops from farm-to-shelf. It reveals the health implications of consuming GM food and its negative impact on farmers and their livelihood. Watch the trailer here:
3. Fast Food Nation: This docu-drama, which is set in a fictitious town, reveals the ugly truth behind the fast food and meat industries. This is loosely based on journalist Eric Schlosser's book of the same name. Watch the trailer here:
2. King Corn: Corn is the staple food of America, providing for a cheap fast-food experience. It finds its way into everything, in every form. But this documentary reveals that it is one of the most toxic foods consumed today, thanks to modern farming techniques. Watch the trailer here.
1. Food, Inc.: This was one of the first, and most popular, documentaries to be made about the food industry. It covers almost all issues concerning the food in America; ranging from big corps taking over agriculture, and the politics behind genetically modified food, to the declining health of the consumer as a consequence of all of these. Watch the trailer here:.
These documentaries not only tell us the difference between food myths and truths, they also say that it is not too late to change our eating habits. After watching these, you will definitely think twice before eating your favorite junk food again.
