Be Green with Healthy Food Habits

Developments in food technology and nutrition today are shaping our food supply in an extraordinary way. They have not only helped produce a variety of foods with varying taste and texture but also optimally retain the nutritional quality of food. Increased use of novel ingredients in the future manufacture of foods is likely to reduce the amount of micronutrients available in our diet. To combat this, food fortification may be more widely used. Collaboration between food technologists and nutritionists is imperative if we are to see the continued manufacture of wholesome food.

The desire and need to preserve food has been a major concern of mankind. The objectives of food preservation are:

• To extend shelf-life thereby prolonging the time when food can be consumed or distributed.
• To improve flavor, texture and eating quality of foods.
• To remove, inactivate or destroy toxins and microbes in food that cause spoilage.
• To enhance or optimize the nutritional characteristic of foods. Each of these, to a lesser or greater extent, may be an important feature in food processing.

In keeping with your healthy diet, one thing that should be limited is your intake of nutrient-poor foods. Such foods and beverages are high in calories but low in nutrients, and they are a waste of plastic, paper and other resources. They often contain saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and sodium ingredients detrimental to your heart health. Your daily food choices can be made simpler by paying close attention to the Nutrition Facts panel, which will tell you how much nutrients each food or beverage contains. Just remember that changing your poor eating habits can significantly lower your chances of developing heart disease in the future.

To lead a healthy lifestyle, here are a few recommendations to help you make good food choices:

• Choose meats and poultry that are lean and prepare them without skin.
• Replace high-fat dairy products for their fat-free and low-fat counterparts.
• Limit your intake of foods containing hydrogenated vegetable oils found in margarine, fast food, fried food, etc., because this will help reduce trans fat in your diet.
• Minimize the amount of sugar-filled foods and beverages you consume, such as cakes, cookies, candy, soda, etc., because excess sugar eventually becomes fat in the body.
• Try keeping your carbohydrate intake (pasta, potatoes, bread, etc.) at a minimum, since excess carbohydrates stimulate the production of triglycerides (fat)—one of the indicators of heart disease.
• Stop smoking and avoid being in situations where you are exposed to second-hand smoke.
• Limit your intake of alcohol. Alcohol depletes your body of vitamins and minerals.
• Try to reduce stress and anxiety in your life.

Becoming more in touch with the types of foods and beverages you put into your body will make you more in sync with the environment and eco-friendly farming practices.

Author works for OMICS Group. The OMICS Group was established to disseminate scientific knowledge and promote interaction among professionals and members of the scientific community.

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