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What Your Food Ate: How To Heal Our Land and Reclaim Our Health

400 pages, 2023

science & nature

science & nature

1064 books
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In What Your Food Ate, David R. Montgomery and Anne Biklé take us far beyond the well-worn adage to deliver a new truth: the roots of good health start on farms. Drawing on compelling evidence from recent and forgotten science, this book illustrates how the health of the soil ripples through to that of crops, livestock, and ultimately us. The long-running partnerships through which crops and soil life nourish one another suffuse plant and animal foods in the human diet with various compounds and nutrients our bodies need to protect us from pathogens and chronic ailments.

We depend on the land to feed ourselves and rely on medicine to keep us healthy. If our food chain and human health are linked, shouldn’t they also be connected at their roots? In this incredibly readable environmental history of modern agriculture, Brian Biklé and Nate Montgomery show us how effective they really are. They excavate a tangled web of discoveries and epiphanies about the world beneath our feet―and reveal why regenerative farming practices hold the key to healing sick soil and untapped potential for improving human health.

The Importance of Soil Health

David R. Montgomery emphasizes the importance of soil health in our food system. He explains that the quality of the food we eat is directly linked to the health of the soil it grows in. So, if you want to eat healthier, start by looking at the soil.

The Impact of Industrial Agriculture

Montgomery takes a critical look at industrial agriculture. He shows how it degrades the soil and reduces the nutritional value of our food. It's a wake-up call for us to rethink our farming practices and move towards more sustainable methods.

The Role of Microorganisms

Did you know that microorganisms play a crucial role in soil health? Montgomery digs into this topic, explaining how these tiny creatures help create nutrient-rich soil that produces healthier crops. It's a fascinating look into the unseen world beneath our feet.

The Connection Between Land and Health

In 'What Your Food Ate', Montgomery explores the connection between the health of our land and our own health. He argues that by healing our land, we can also reclaim our health. It's a compelling argument that will make you see your food in a new light.

The Power of Regenerative Agriculture

Montgomery is a big advocate for regenerative agriculture. He shows how this approach can restore soil health, increase food nutrition, and even combat climate change. If you're interested in sustainable farming, you'll definitely want to check out his research on this.