Basically, food is a substance that is consumed to provide nutritional support. It can be a plant, animal or fungal product. Most of the food we eat is of plant origin. However, there are some exceptions.
Malnutrition
Approximately 2.7 million children under the age of five suffer from malnutrition in developing countries. This includes stunted growth, linear growth retardation and anaemia. These conditions result from decreased food intake and poor nutrient absorption.
Although there are many reasons for malnutrition, including food shortages, disease-related metabolic and inflammatory disturbances can also result in altered body composition. Currently, there is no standard diagnostic or treatment criteria for malnutrition. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends body mass index (BMI) as a measure of undernutrition. The use of international consensus criteria is recommended to provide a uniform diagnosis and treatment of malnutrition.
Processed foods
Often associated with snack foods and ready-to-eat meals, processed foods can also be nutritious. They may contain nutrients, preservatives, and added flavors. They are convenient and shelf-stable. Unlike naturally-occurring foods, however, they can be high in fat and sugar.
Many processed foods are loaded with salt. It’s important to check the label before deciding whether or not to buy a product. It’s also important to understand that some foods are processed to enhance their flavor, appearance, and texture.
Ultra-processed foods are foods that have been altered using chemical or mechanical means. They are often high in fat, refined grains, and artificial additives.
Anticarcinogens in food
Using the word “anticarcinogen” to describe the chemical compounds found in plants is misleading, in my book. Fortunately, a number of new and interesting substances have been identified that are worth further investigation. In this review, we will focus on those that have been identified in fruits and vegetables.
A recent US National Research Council committee reviewed the role of carcinogens in food. The committee cited a number of studies on various compounds. They found that while most chemicals are present at levels below harmful biological effects, some may be capable of producing a number of useful effects.
Diets of urban and rural populations of developing countries
Developing countries have been undergoing a nutrition transition in recent decades. This transition is associated with urbanization. The population of low-income countries has increasingly adopted the Western diet, which is high in energy-dense foods. This has led to increased obesity rates. However, under-nutrition is still a major health concern. In addition, obesity is associated with several chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease. In developing countries, the incidence of obesity is two to five times higher than the incidence in Europe and North America.
Studies have shown that urban poverty is associated with a lack of access to healthy diets. It is important to address this issue. However, there are a variety of reasons for poor urban dwellers’ difficulties in purchasing healthy foods. The factors include transportation costs, mobility restrictions, and time spent shopping.