This book is an indictment of American food processors and what they are serving the nation. Are they distributing food, or manufacturing products that redefine what we think food to be? How far afield of true food has the search for profit and the need to meet consumer trends led food manufacturers?

Nutritionist Carol Simontacchi shows how the pseudo-foods being promoted today—from infant formulas to health-conscious prepackaged meals—are, in fact, physically eroding our brains. While it has been proven that food choices contribute to degenerative diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart disease, Simontacchi maintains that our mental condition is also at risk. Examining the relationship of diet to changing levels of chemicals in the brain, Simontacchi finds that:

• consumer baby-formulas and baby foods can be harmful to an infant's brain development;


• ingredients and residues such as MSG and neurotoxins are present in our children's food, hidden by misleading labels;


• stripping essential minerals from the foods being served to teenagers can be linked to anorexia nervosa, bulimia, poor cognition and behavior; and


• schools that strike deals with fast-food companies are among the worst saboteurs of a child's healthy diet and mind

Based on new research, information retrieved via the Freedom of Information Act and a formal study conducted by Simontacchi of schoolchildren's eating habits, The Crazy Makers identifies how the new foods may be driving us crazy. Not a cookbook.