Food is the cornerstone of life, influencing our health, fitness, and aging. The types, quantities, and timing of the food we consume are all crucial factors. Recent studies suggest that the key to reversing aging may lie in our gut, revealing that the secret to a long and healthy life is closely tied to what we eat.

Food evokes deep emotions—satisfaction, happiness, and fulfillment. Our food choices are influenced by its appearance, flavor, taste, texture, and aftertaste. Nowadays, with increased awareness, nutritional value has also become an essential factor. Consider the joy of rice eaters after a satisfying meal, or their restlessness when rice is absent from dinner. Children throwing tantrums because their favorite dish isn’t prepared, or a spouse expressing frustration over poorly cooked food, are everyday examples of the strong emotions food can provoke.

Healthy and nutritious food,

The vast choices and varieties,

Numerous cuisines from around the world,

Yet, we are perplexed with no clarity,

As to what food is tasty as well as healthy.

Finding something that pleases both palate and body is indeed rare.

Food has profoundly shaped our history, particularly in prehistoric times. From the days of hunters and gatherers with limited food choices, to the shift to a settled life with farming and animal domestication, food availability was central to early human existence. Great civilizations arose along riverbanks when the focus shifted beyond mere survival. Famines have also significantly shaped our history. Today, the global goal is "Food for All." Remarkably, despite our population increasing eightfold—from 1 billion in 1800 to 8 billion now—there is no significant food crisis, thanks to advances in agricultural science and technology that have ensured food security. While the availability of food is not a major concern in countries with free trade, recent changes in food dynamics are linked to health issues and lifestyle disorders such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, strokes, and heart disease. Awareness of what we eat is essential. Food consciousness involves mindful eating, where individuals make informed decisions about what, when, and how much to eat to maintain their health and well-being. This also includes awareness of food safety, food waste, and food-borne illnesses.

The food industry operates as a business, prioritizing monetary gain over health. The primary focus of this industry is ensuring the large-scale availability of food, which, while beneficial in preventing food crises, has impacted food quality. Understanding food dynamics from the source to the table is crucial for developing food consciousness..

• Food Dynamics at Source: Genetic modification, hybridization, the use of fertilizers and chemicals in agriculture, and the use of antibiotics, hormones, and force-feeding in poultry and animal husbandry have all led to increased yields.
• Food Dynamics in Production and Processing: Adulteration raises concerns about food purity and safety. Food processing often involves adding preservatives and chemicals to enhance shelf life, appearance, and taste, but these additives can be harmful rather than beneficial to health. Refined sugars, salts, oils, and polished rice are associated with obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.
• Food Dynamics in Transport and Storage: Refrigeration, cold chains, plastic packaging, food handling, and hygiene are factors that affect food quality.
• Food Dynamics in Preparation: Food substitution and the use of artificial colors and flavors are issues when the food industry is not adequately regulated.

Food is the source of our nutrition and energy, but it can also lead to illnesses. Many food-related illnesses, including food allergies and lifestyle disorders, are often overlooked. Food contamination is a significant health hazard, extending beyond common infections associated with stomach upset. For instance, tapeworm eggs can enter the gut through contaminated raw vegetables or water, hatch into larvae, and migrate to the brain, eyes, or muscles. While rare, cases of larval migration to the spinal cord have occurred, as shown in this surgical video (viewer discretion advised): https://youtu.be/-n8NjttCAIg

June 7th marks World Food Safety Day, an initiative by the World Health Organization. The theme for 2023, "Food Standards Save Lives," emphasizes the importance of preventing, detecting, and managing food-borne risks to contribute to food security, health, economic prosperity, and sustainable development. Food safety is everyone’s responsibility—from agriculture, aquaculture, dairy, poultry, and meat industries to street vendors, restaurants, and consumers.

While food security is primarily a government responsibility, the food we choose to consume is up to us. Understanding food safety, dynamics, emotions, and standards is integral to food consciousness. Eat responsibly; Bon appétit.

Contact [email protected] or WhatsApp at +919483861505 to reach the author.

www.drmuralimohan.com