Many people have very definite reasons for eating specific foods, which becomes the foundation for their culinary choices. While 9% of the world’s population is reeling under food scarcity, statistics indicate that the rest of us can afford to make food choices. Indeed, cost is a big determining factor, but there’s a whole host of elements that are at play. So whether you’re selecting food off the menu at any restaurant, or you’re serving home cooked meals to your children, here are are four key factors that can affect your food choices. Taste, smell, and appearance Although the primary reason for eating is to satisfy hunger, one factor influencing a…
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The Connection Between Your Cholesterol and Food
As we get older, our cholesterol levels change and so does the connection between your cholesterol and food. Doctors are not really sure how aging affects the composition and function of HDL, aka high-density lipoproteins levels; however, research has proven there is a significant change from our youth, and the food we eat plays an intricate part. Cholesterol in the body Cholesterol is a waxy substance that’s found in all of your cells and has several useful functions, including helping to build your body’s cells. It’s carried through your bloodstream attached to proteins. These proteins are called lipoproteins. Our LDL or low-density lipoproteins, build up within the walls of our…
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Raw Food Means a Better Mood
The Department of Food Science Research at the University of Otago in New Zealand has linked our consumption of raw fruits and vegetables to our mental health. A total of 281 young adults completed an internet-based daily food diary for 21 consecutive days. Researchers concluded participates consuming a higher intake of raw produce (5 times per day) had fewer symptoms of mental illness or depression, and improved levels of well being or satisfaction with life. After eating canned or processed produce, the mental health benefits were significantly reduced. Foods Associated With Better Mood Researchers particularly mentioned carrots bananas apples spinach These foods displayed significant benefits towards your mental health, as…
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Everything You Need to Know About Buying Organic
The organic food market in the United States hit $49.4 billion in sales in 2017- a record. Organic food in 2017 accounted for 5.5 percent of the food sold in retail channels in the United States. Total organic sales in 2017 were $49.4 billion, also up 6.4%, as sales of organic non-food products rose 7.4 percent to $4.2 billion. I know you see the Facebook posts and hear the television teasers, “are you truly buying organic? Stay tuned for our in-depth report!” I wanted my own garden to be ORGANIC, but it is not. I had to use man-made fertilizer to stimulate my tomatoes. Inception of the Organic Label In…
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Are You Eating Bioengineered Food?
In the United States, I feel I have a right to know what is in our food supply and how our food is grown. Global food policy research conducted by the Center for Food Safety confirms that 64 countries, including member nations of the European Union, Russia, China, Brazil, Australia, Turkey and South Africa require standards of mandatory GE food labeling. The United States is NOT included on the list of governments providing open, accurate information on the source of foods on grocery shelves. Hence, why I am such a supporter of GMO (genetically modified organisms) labeling. As the spread of commercialized genetically engineered food products increase, the number of…
