What the Health

What the Health is an audacious documentary released in 2017 that digs deep into the complex relationship between nutrition, the medical field, and large scale food industries. Directed and co-produced by Kip Andersen, well known for his earlier film "Cowspiracy", the film also features Larry Baldwin, Neal Barnard among others who expertly weigh in with scientific evidence and personal testimonies, and help to connect the mind-boggling dots resulted through juxtaposition of these diverse but interconnected realms.

Kip Andersen serves as our guide and narrator through this investigative journey, which is designed to debunk the many myths that persist in the public consciousness about nutrition and health. The film offers a sweeping look at the vast landscape of dietary advice and information that we're often bombarded with, and how influential forces like the meat, egg, and dairy industries, can skew these narratives to their advantage.

The film also rigorously examines how these powerful corporations use their clout to influence key government agencies and nonprofits, leading to the reflection of corporate interests in public health policies, and prevent the release of health studies that could negatively impact their bottom line. In essence, "What the Health" tries to expose the unholy alliance between business, politics and healthcare industry that puts profits over public health.

A significant portion of the movie examined the health effects of animal-based and processed foods, effectively linking them to a variety of serious health conditions, from cardiovascular diseases to cancer to diabetes. Pioneers in nutritional research like Dr. Neal Barnard of Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine make case for a plant-based diet, explaining how animal-based proteins and processed foods adversely affect our body.

What makes the documentary particularly gripping, however, is not just the in-depth medical data and scientific evidence presented, but also the personal stories that intertwine with the documentary’s main argument. These stories lend a human touch to the facts and figures, personalizing the effects of dietary choices and lifestyle diseases. These narratives raise important questions about the role of lifestyle changes including incorporating a balanced, plant-based diet to enhance overall health and well-being.

However, "What the Health" is not just a film laden with analysis and criticism. It also provides actionable advice for the viewers - suggestions and insights about making healthier life choices and food decisions. Particular emphasis is laid on adopting a plant-based diet, detailing its array of benefits for human health on the individual level, and even touching upon its positive effects for our environment.

Polished by its hard-hitting interviews, relentless investigations, and startling revelations, all peppered with a dash of humour to ease the tension, What the Health becomes an engrossing watch for viewers. It pushes them to rethink their own dietary habits and the various narratives they’ve been conditioned to believe, while navigating the thin line between information and advocacy. And this is where the real power of What The Health lies – in its attempt to empower its viewers with knowledge so that they can make informed decisions concerning their health.

One must note that some of the facts presented in the documentary have faced criticism and the overall mantra of plant-based diets being the healthiest option might not agree with everyone. Regardless, the movie raises some pertinent questions about the systems that dictate our nutritional habits and their strong ties with corporate profits.

The film was released on Netflix and other online platforms, enhancing its accessibility to a global audience. It benefits from an engaging script, cohesive shots, and gut-wrenching images that underline the severity of the situation, warding off any chance for the documentary to be dismissed as just another health advice film.

In a nutshell, What The Health is an intense, insightful, and illuminative documentary that unfolds the unseen transactions in the business of health and food. It is bound to provoke thoughts, spark debates, probably rile up some, yet undoubtedly entertain many. Whether you choose to switch to a plant-based diet after watching it or not, it's still a compelling watch that urges you to question established norms and take control of your own health.