In class this week, we discussed nutrition including the various classes of nutrients that we need in our diet each day. We looked at the macronutrients (carbohydrates, fats/lipids, and proteins) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) and discussed their metabolism in the body. If we eat natural foods like fruits, vegetables, and grains, we get a reasonably balanced amount of these nutrients in our diet. But in our fast-paced world, its sometimes easier to eat processed food (something out of a bag or a box). As this food is processed, a number of ingredients are added for a variety of reasons: to improve flavor and add nutrients, to increase storage time and reduce spoilage, and to make the food look better. Take a look at this video (about 3.5 minutes long): http://www.theatlantic.com/video/archive/2012/04/what-are-the-26-ingredients-in-a-typical-school-lunch-burger/255673/ (Links to an external site.) The news correspondent looks at a list of the 26 ingredients added to hamburgers that are served at some of the local school districts. A food scientist explains to the correspondent in the video the function of each of the added ingredients in the hamburger. After you view the video, consider these questions –Does the food scientist make a good case for why these additives are included in the hamburger? –What might be some advantages or disadvantages to having these added ingredients? –How do you feel about these ingredients being added to your processed foods? Does knowing why these additives are included in processed foods make you more or less likely to eat these types of foods? Or does it make a difference at all whats added?
