There are several factors that influence how we enjoy food. These factors include Biological, Social, Environmental, and Traditions. In addition, there are numerous cultural and religious factors that influence how we view and enjoy food. Below are some of the main influences on food. Read on to discover some of the fascinating ways that food influences our lives and our culture.
Biological
Biological effects of food are a serious concern to health and the environment. Some pathogens in foods produce toxins that can cause foodborne illnesses. These toxins can be mild to life threatening, and are transmitted through fecal or water-based routes. Detection and prevention are crucial to protect public health and the environment. For example, the bacterium Clostridium botulinum can produce a toxin that can cause foodborne illness. This contaminant is particularly dangerous to those with weakened immune systems.
Biological contaminants may also cause food to change in appearance. Foods may appear cloudy, slimy, or soft to the touch, or even have patches of green or white spots. In addition, they may produce a distinct odor and change the taste of the food.
Social
Eating together is a social activity that builds community and reduces social tensions and divisions. It’s also an economic activity that creates jobs and bonds people. And, as Peter Stewart, the executive director of the Eden Project, points out, food brings people together and brings communities closer together. What’s more, social eating is also good fun.
Despite our obsession with calories, the social benefits of food go beyond our physical needs. We often associate food consumption with aesthetic, sensory, symbolic, and social experiences. When we eat together, we share and cooperate with one another, a process that can be quite fulfilling. Unfortunately, overconsumption has become a major problem in recent decades. And this has had unsettling consequences.
Environmental
A major cause of environmental pollution is the use of agricultural chemicals for food production. These chemicals are not biodegradable and end up in waterways, soil, and other ecosystems. In addition to polluting water, these chemicals can also harm wildlife and drinking water. Animal agriculture is a major cause of pollution, and chemicals used in chicken meat production have a negative impact on aquatic life.
Animal feed production accounts for about 60% of arable land in the United States. While this might not seem like a huge number, it is still important to consider the environmental effects of meat and food production. While different kinds of animals require different amounts of energy and water, reducing the energy input by switching to a more efficient method can significantly reduce the environmental impacts of food production. Beef and lamb are the most energy-intensive forms of animal protein, and can be grown on less suitable land. In some cases, they can be produced as byproducts of dairy and wool production.
Traditions
Food is an essential part of our cultural traditions. It connects us to family, friends, and our community. Some traditions revolve around eating specific kinds of food. Others are more inclusive and a mixture of cultures can be found in one dish. Regardless of the origin, food connects us with one another and our communities.
The tradition of sharing food varies from culture to culture, but in general, food is shared in a gesture of closeness. Conversely, the practice of refusing to share food reflects distance or enmity. Traditional foods and recipes are important in preserving our culture, and are often used to introduce other cultures to ours. Food is also important in our social activities, and some foods are highly valued and set aside for special occasions.
Impacts
The impact of food systems on the environment is a complex and dynamic phenomenon. Many different foods are used for human consumption, and each of these foods has its own environmental impact. Additionally, each food product has different raw materials and different processing methods. Therefore, the impacts of food on the environment differ significantly, depending on where it is produced and by whom.
The impacts of animal products on the environment are much greater than those of plant-based foods. This is because raising animals creates an additional trophic level in the food chain, which reduces the efficiency of production. Furthermore, both the production of feedstuffs and animal husbandry contribute to the overall impact. Animal products have varying environmental impacts per kilogram of edible protein.