Highly processed foods in the Western world often take the brunt of the scrutiny when it comes to the concerning rise in the rate of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative conditions (just to name a few). But maybe the “causal relationship” isn’t that simple. And maybe a deeper reason exists to explain the growing rates of obesity, metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure…etc.
A compelling rationale explaining why the western world is growing more unwell might be the slow drift towards convenience and away from the elements…….
Enter the Netflix mini-series Cooked………
Released in 2016, Cooked is a documentary based on the book by Michael Pollen, Cooked.
Through his own journey of learning to cook, Michael Pollen discovers the hidden treasures of the way in which food used to be prepared before stoves, microwaves, air fryers, slow cookers……. And alike. In order for plants, fruits, roots, and animals to be ingested, digested, and absorbed required the elements….fire, water, air, and earth.
In episode 1, Michael visits ancient tribes and “smoker masters” to uncover the art and science of fire. Fire is the cornerstone of ancient food preparation to make food safe and palatable. But more than that, “the fire” was a place of building community and celebration. In other words, fire was more than just a means to an end (eating). It tapped into all the elements of well-being….mind, body, and spirit.
In episode 2, Michael gives the history of the use of water for cooking. Now this came later as it required the “invention” of the pot (a vessel that could hold the water over heat). In Michael’s own journey to learn to cook with liquid, he reveals the hidden health benefits that foods retain.
Episode 3 is the amazingness of air. Yes, air. From bread-making experts, you will be intrigued by the primitive ways of using air to transform grain and water into a fluffy loaf of bread. Vastly separated from the way bread is made today.
Personally, the final episode was the most thought-provoking, earth. In our present day, bacteria has gotten a pretty bad rap. Think antibiotics. Yes, a great discovery that has definitely improved the human lifespan, but have we gone too far? Bacteria were used for centuries to ferment food and cure cheese. And in recent years, the diversity of the gut microbiome (helpful bacteria that live in the gut) has been gaining interest among scientists as a potential key that unlocks the door to well-being. Fermentation is a process of allowing bacteria to grow and populate in vegetables to preserve and also bring out the flavor (think kimchi). Cocoa beans are fermented to give us that decadent chocolate bar.
But this series did not just open my eyes to ancient methods of food preparation.
Cooked, is more a story of how optimizing for efficiency at the cost of “enduring” the slow, arduous process of cooking could be the most meaningful causal factor in the rise in disease rates. Restaurants (having foods prepared by someone else) have all but removed this process entirely. And with it, has gone the ritual, community, and spirituality that comes with the process of cooking.
Michael ends the mini-series with a challenge to us all. I am paraphrasing here, but maybe we don’t have the time, energy, or resources to cook every meal, every day. But we can all start. Start by bringing back just one element of cooking. And try this for just 1 meal a week. Maybe you will re-discover the love of cooking and in the process improve your health and well-being.
Watch Cooked
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