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The Science of Taste & Nutrition

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Taste, gustatory perception, or gustation is the sensory impression of food and beverages on the tongue and is one of the five traditional senses.

Science of Taste

what is more important taste or nutrition essay

An individual’s genetic makeup partially accounts for their tasting abilities and preferences for specific foods. Some individuals are genetically programmed to have more taste buds and, as a result, taste more flavours in a particular food. A person’s ability to taste can lie anywhere in a spectrum from poor to exceptional, with the ability to sense tastes increasing in proportion to the number of taste buds present. The difference in the number of taste buds can be extreme; researchers have found anywhere from 11 to 1,100 taste buds per square inch in various young people tested. Researchers have also found that women tend to have more taste buds than men and, as a result, are often better tasters. How well people taste greatly affects what they like.

what is more important taste or nutrition essay

Taste Preferences and Perceptions

The sense of taste is one of the most important human senses

  • Senses of taste allow us to separate undesirable foods from those that are nutritious
  • Taste senses are strongly tied to primitive emotional and behavioural functions of our nervous system
  • Taste defines our ingestion of foods, beverages and medications
  • Taste preference refers to whether a person will choose certain type of food in preference to others, and he/she uses this to help control the type of diet eaten
  • Taste preferences often change in accordance with the needs of the body for specific substances
  • There are many pathophysiological conditions as well as daily habits that have close relation with the gustatory function
  • Taste perception is an important factor that affects the quality of life
  • Alteration in taste perception is crucial because it influences dietary habits and general health
  • Taste perception is the sensation that results when taste buds convey information about the chemical composition of a substance

The Link Between Taste and Nutrition

The least nutritious food is the one goes uneaten. We can fortify a food or beverage with essential vitamins, minerals, or functional ingredients, but a person will typically not consume it more than once if it doesn’t meet their taste expectations. At the same time, many people overconsume foods that are high in sugar or salt due to their favorable taste, which can lead to excess weight gain. Taste has an inherently strong link with nutrition.

Some major areas where taste science aligns with nutrition are:

  • Masking – many proteins , vitamins, minerals, and bioactive functional ingredients (e.g. the bitterness of caffeine) can bring off-flavours with them. Taste science can be used to understand which chemicals or components are causing these off-notes, then develop specific flavour components that reduce our ability to taste the off-flavours.

what is more important taste or nutrition essay

Off-tastes in pea protein are linked to specific chemistry. For example, in the chart above, high amounts of lipid oxidation are linked to a strong hay off-taste. Understanding what is causing off-tastes helps solve the issue at its root.

  • Sugar reduction – reducing sugar will reduce the overall sweetness of a product, which often needs to be built back to make an acceptable product. Reducing sugar can also increase acidity and astringency while reducing mouthfeel and perception of flavour (e.g. peach notes in a peach beverage), so there is more to sugar than just sweetness.

what is more important taste or nutrition essay

  • Sodium reduction – much like sugar, sodium has many roles in foods and beverages . The sodium channel our tongues use to sense salt is very specific, therefore it’s unlikely any substance could fully replace sodium. Saltiness has an initial intensity profile, followed by the mouthfeel phase which gives depth, followed by a unique finish, making it a complex experience to mimic. Taste science allows us to understand the complexity of this sensation to build complete solutions.

Moller. Taste and appetite. Flavor. 2015; 4:4. Sorensen et al. Effect of sensory perception of foods on appetite and food intake: a review of studies on humans. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 2003;27:1152-1166.

what is more important taste or nutrition essay

What is a Flavour?

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Taste, Nutrition, and Health

Affiliations.

  • 1 Department of Food Science, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8520, USA.
  • 2 Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy.
  • PMID: 31935855
  • PMCID: PMC7019433
  • DOI: 10.3390/nu12010155

The sensation of flavour reflects the complex integration of aroma, taste, texture, and chemesthetic (oral and nasal irritation cues) from a food or food component. Flavour is a major determinant of food palatability-the extent to which a food is accepted or rejected-and can profoundly influence diet selection, nutrition, and health. Despite recent progress, there are still gaps in knowledge on how taste and flavour cues are detected at the periphery, conveyed by the brainstem to higher cortical levels and then interpreted as a conscious sensation. Taste signals are also projected to central feeding centers where they can regulate hunger and fullness. Individual differences in sensory perceptions are also well known and can arise from genetic variation, environmental causes, or a variety of metabolic diseases, such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, and cancer. Genetic taste/smell variation could predispose individuals to these same diseases. Recent findings have also opened new avenues of inquiry, suggesting that fatty acids and carbohydrates may provide nutrient-specific signals informing the gut and brain of the nature of the ingested nutrients. This special issue on "Taste, Nutrition, and Health" presents original research communications and comprehensive reviews on topics of broad interest to researchers and educators in sensory science, nutrition, physiology, public health, and health care.

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Nutrition and Health Promotion Essay

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Nutritiousness involves the process of the body taking in food and vital nutrients from it that are required for life. Nutrition is central to health promotion because it plays a critical role in a person’s body, including providing physical growth, recovering from injury and fighting diseases, lactation, reproduction, and general development (Vilar-Compte et al., 2021). Thus, a person with a specific nutritional deficiency is likely to have health problems. This study will evaluate the nutritional challenges for emerging populations and the roles of nutritional deficiency and nutritional excess on diseases.

In the modern world, emerging populations face various challenges, which have led to increased obesity and nutrition-related diseases. These may include the high availability of unhealthy foods with high fat, sugar, calories, and salt. The other factor is advanced marketing systems which significantly impact children’s eating decisions (Vilar-Compte et al., 2021). Sometimes, populations cannot access healthy foods due to poverty and geographic location. Finally, nutrition information is unavailable for most populations; hence they do not know the foods to take at a given age and how it impacts their body.

Nutritional deficiency or nutritional excess plays a significant role in disease management. For instance, high nutritional levels of refined fats and carbohydrates integrated with physical inactivity can lead to chronic inflammatory diseases, including cardiovascular diseases and obesity (Muscaritoli, 2021). On the contrary, when a person lacks various essential nutrients, they are likely to have poor immune functions, stunted growth, and other conditions such as depression, scurvy, xerophthalmia, and osteoporosis (Muscaritoli, 2021). A high intake of amino acids, short-chain fatty acids, and oligosaccharides can lead to anti-inhibitory functions in the body. This shows that nutritional balance is essential in the development of a body, and thus excess or deficient intake can lead to health complications.

Muscaritoli, M. (2021). The Impact of Nutrients on Mental Health and Well-Being: Insights From the Literature. Frontiers in Nutrition , 8 (2).

Vilar-Compte, M., Burrola-Méndez, S., Lozano-Marrufo, A., Ferré-Eguiluz, I., Flores, D., Gaitán-Rossi, P., Teruel, G., & Pérez-Escamilla, R. (2021). Urban poverty and nutrition challenges associated with accessibility to a healthy diet: a global systematic literature review. International Journal for Equity in Health , 20 (1).

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Essay on Importance of Food

Students are often asked to write an essay on Importance of Food in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Importance of Food

The vital role of food.

Food plays a crucial role in our lives. It provides us with the energy we need to carry out our daily activities. We cannot survive without food, as it is the fuel for our body.

Nutrition and Growth

Nutrition is essential for growth, especially in children. It helps in building strong bones and muscles. A balanced diet ensures we get all the nutrients required for healthy growth.

Food and Health

Eating healthy food helps prevent diseases. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains boost our immunity, keeping us healthy and strong. It’s important to eat a variety of foods for overall wellbeing.

Food and Culture

Food also brings people together. It’s a vital part of our culture and traditions, helping us connect with our roots and each other. Every culture has unique dishes that reflect its history and lifestyle.

Also check:

  • Paragraph on Importance of Food

250 Words Essay on Importance of Food

Introduction.

Food is the fundamental necessity of life. It provides us with the energy to carry out daily tasks, supports our immune system, and contributes to the healthy functioning of our body and mind. Understanding the importance of food transcends beyond the realm of basic sustenance and delves into the realms of health, culture, and socio-economic dynamics.

Nutrition and Health

Food is the primary source of nutrients that our bodies need to function effectively. It provides us with carbohydrates for energy, proteins for muscle development, fats for cell function, and vitamins and minerals for immune support and other essential bodily functions. A balanced diet can prevent malnutrition and a multitude of health issues, emphasizing the importance of food in maintaining good health.

Cultural Significance

Food also carries cultural significance. It is an integral part of traditions, rituals, and celebrations, reflecting the unique identity of different cultures. Food brings people together, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Economic Implication

On a larger scale, food plays a pivotal role in the economy. The food industry generates employment, contributes to GDP, and is a significant factor in trade relations between countries. Moreover, food security is a critical aspect of national security, underlining the strategic importance of food.

In conclusion, food is much more than mere sustenance. It is a vital cog in the wheel of life, impacting our health, culture, and economy. Understanding the importance of food can lead us towards a healthier, more inclusive, and sustainable world.

500 Words Essay on Importance of Food

Introduction: the necessity of food.

Food is an indispensable part of our lives. It is not just about satisfying our taste buds, but it is a basic necessity for survival. Beyond survival, food plays a pivotal role in our overall growth, development, and well-being.

The Biological Importance of Food

Food is the primary source of energy for all organisms. The human body needs a variety of nutrients to function optimally, and these nutrients are obtained from the food we consume. Proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals are all critical for various biological processes. For instance, proteins are essential for tissue repair and muscle growth, carbohydrates provide energy, fats serve as energy storage, and vitamins and minerals are crucial for several metabolic activities.

Food and Physical Health

The link between food and physical health is undeniable. A well-balanced diet can help maintain a healthy weight, strengthen the immune system, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Conversely, poor dietary choices can lead to obesity, malnutrition, and various health complications. Therefore, understanding the nutritional value of food and making informed dietary choices is crucial for maintaining physical health.

Food and Mental Health

The importance of food extends to our mental health as well. Various studies suggest a strong correlation between diet and mental health. Certain nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and antioxidants are known to support brain health. They can enhance cognitive functions, improve mood, and even reduce the risk of mental disorders like depression and anxiety. On the other hand, a diet high in processed foods and sugars can adversely affect brain function and mood.

Food and Cultural Significance

Food also holds significant cultural and social value. It is an integral part of our cultural identity and heritage. Different cultures have unique cuisines, food habits, and rituals, reflecting their history, geography, and lifestyle. Sharing meals is a universal way of fostering social connections and community bonds.

Food and Environmental Impact

The food we consume also has a profound impact on the environment. Sustainable food practices can help conserve natural resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote biodiversity. Conversely, unsustainable agricultural practices and food wastage can lead to environmental degradation. Therefore, conscious food choices can contribute to environmental sustainability.

Conclusion: The Multifaceted Importance of Food

In conclusion, food is not just a means of survival. It is a complex entity that influences our physical and mental health, reflects our cultural identity, fosters social connections, and impacts the environment. Understanding the importance of food in these multiple dimensions can guide us towards healthier, more sustainable, and culturally rich lifestyles. As we move forward, let us acknowledge the power of food and use it responsibly to nourish ourselves and the planet.

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what is more important taste or nutrition essay

Home — Essay Samples — Nursing & Health — Nutrition & Dieting — Nutrition

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Nutrition Essays

The best nutrition essay prompts to kickstart your writing.

Embarking on the journey of writing a nutrition essay begins with understanding the prompt. A well-chosen prompt can illuminate the path to a compelling narrative, enriched with insightful analyses and groundbreaking conclusions. Here are examples to ignite your creativity:

  • Explore the impact of vegan diets on athletic performance.
  • Analyze the role of micronutrients in preventing chronic diseases.
  • Discuss the socio-economic barriers to healthy eating in urban areas.

Strategies to Brainstorm and Select a Captivating Nutrition Essay Topic

Choosing the right topic is crucial for your essay's success. Consider these points to spark a brainstorming session that leads to the selection of a compelling topic:

  • Relevance: Choose a topic that is relevant to current trends and research in nutrition.
  • Interest: Pick a subject you are passionate about to maintain motivation throughout your writing process.
  • Originality: Aim for a unique angle or perspective to stand out from commonly discussed topics.
  • Resources: Ensure there are enough resources and research available to support your essay.

Exploring Unique Nutrition Essay Topics for an Engaging Read

To captivate your audience, veer away from the beaten path and explore these thought-provoking topics:

  • The effects of gut microbiota diversity on mental health.
  • Nutritional strategies for managing autoimmune diseases.
  • The influence of cultural practices on dietary habits across the globe.
  • Future trends in nutrition: The rise of personalized diets.

Inspiring Examples of Paragraphs and Phrases for Your Nutrition Essay

Let these samples inspire your writing, enhancing the flow and depth of your essay:

"As we delve into the intricate relationship between diet and mental health, it becomes evident that the gut-brain axis serves as a critical communication pathway. This symbiotic relationship underscores the importance of nutritional choices in maintaining mental well-being."
"The concept of personalized nutrition, tailored to an individual’s genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environment, heralds a new era in dietary science. This bespoke approach promises to revolutionize our understanding and management of nutrition-related health outcomes."

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The Importance of Proper Nutrition and Healthy Diet

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Nutrition is the biochemical and physiological process by which an organism uses food to support its life.

Nutrition process includes ingestion, absorption, assimilation, biosynthesis, catabolism and excretion.

Human nutrition deals with the provision of essential nutrients from food that are necessary to support human life and good health. In humans, poor nutrition can cause deficiency-related diseases such as blindness, anemia, scurvy, preterm birth, stillbirth and cretinism, or nutrient excess health-threatening conditions such as obesity and metabolic syndrome. Undernutrition can lead to wasting in acute cases, and stunting of marasmus in chronic cases of malnutrition.

Supplements can never fully replace real foods. Unprocessed food is healthiest. Omega-3 fats are crucial and most people don’t get enough. There is no perfect diet for everyone.

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Pushing flavor and taste encourages healthier eating choices and helps make vegetables more ‘craveworthy’, study says

09-Oct-2019 - Last updated on 09-Oct-2019 at 16:11 GMT

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“Healthy food labels tout health benefits, yet most people prioritize tastiness in the moment of food choice. In a preregistered intervention, we tested whether taste-focused labels compared with health-focused labels increased vegetable intake at five university dining halls throughout the United States,” ​ wrote researchers in the study ​ ​ published in the journal Psychological Science ​.

The study found that descriptive and decadent-sounding labels calling out flavor profiles and taste experience such as “twisted citrus glazed carrots” ​ and “ultimate chargrilled asparagus” ​can nudge people to consume more vegetables than they otherwise would.

"This is radically different from our current cultural approach to healthy eating which, by focusing on health to the neglect of taste, inadvertently instills the mindset that healthy eating is tasteless and depriving," ​ said Alia Crum, senior author of the study and an assistant professor of psychology.

"And yet in retrospect it's like, of course, why haven't we been focusing on making healthy foods more delicious and indulgent all along?" ​

The study is part of a broader project to make healthy foods more crave-worthy and less like something we tolerate because they're good for us. That effort also includes Stanford SPARQ's "Edgy Veggies" toolkit, a step-by step guide for how to implement taste-focused labeling that draws on Crum and Turnwald's studies.

Observing college students’ eating habits ​

"College students have among the lowest vegetable intake rates of all age groups," ​ said study co-author Brad Turnwald.

"Students are learning to make food decisions for the first time in the midst of new stresses, environments and food options. It's a critical window for establishing positive relationships with healthy eating." ​

Using adjectives and language typically used to describe less healthy food, researchers came up with a system for naming vegetables that focused on the flavors in vegetable dishes along with words that created the expectation of a positive eating experience.

The team tracked 137,482 diner decisions and about 71 vegetable dishes that had been labeled with taste-focused, health-focused, or neutral names. Researchers found that people put vegetables on their plates 29% more often when the food had taste-focused versus health-focused names and 14% more often when it had taste-focused versus neutral names. Diners also ate 39% more vegetables by weight, according to measurements of what they served themselves versus how much ended up in compost.

Researchers found that taste-focused labels outperformed labels that merely contained positive words, fancy words, or lists of ingredients.

In particular, references to ingredients such as garlic of ginger and preparation methods such as "roasted”, ​ and words that highlight experience such as "sizzling" ​ or "tavern style" ​help convey the dish is not only tasty but also indulgent, comforting, or nostalgic, noted researchers.

Opportunity beyond college campuses ​

"This research has transformed how we label foods in the dining halls," ​ said Eric Montell, executive director of R&DE Stanford Dining, who commented on the study in a press release issued by Stanford University. 

Beyond college campuses, the research can make an impact on shifting mindsets about healthy eating on a larger scale, added Montell.

"Now there is a great opportunity for university dining programs and other food services across the country to use the scientifically supported toolkit to help advocate for the delicious aspects of healthy foods." ​

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Focus: Nutrition and Food Science

Importance of nutrients and nutrient metabolism on human health, yiheng chen.

a School of Human Nutrition, McGill University, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, QC, Canada

Marek Michalak

b Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada

Luis B. Agellon

Nutrition transition, which includes a change from consumption of traditional to modern diets that feature high-energy density and low nutrient diversity, is associated with acquired metabolic syndromes. The human diet is comprised of diverse components which include both nutrients, supplying the raw materials that drive multiple metabolic processes in every cell of the body, and non-nutrients. These components and their metabolites can also regulate gene expression and cellular function via a variety of mechanisms. Some of these components are beneficial while others have toxic effects. Studies have found that persistent disturbance of nutrient metabolism and/or energy homeostasis, caused by either nutrient deficiency or excess, induces cellular stress leading to metabolic dysregulation and tissue damage, and eventually to development of acquired metabolic syndromes. It is now evident that metabolism is influenced by extrinsic factors ( e.g. , food, xenobiotics, environment), intrinsic factors ( e.g. , sex, age, gene variations) as well as host/microbiota interaction, that together modify the risk for developing various acquired metabolic diseases. It is also becoming apparent that intake of diets with low-energy density but high in nutrient diversity may be the key to promoting and maintaining optimal health.

Introduction

Over the last several decades, many jurisdictions around the world have witnessed the increasing prevalence of acquired metabolic syndromes, in particular obesity, diabetes, fatty liver disease and cardiovascular diseases [ 1 - 4 ]. In recent years, the upward trend is especially striking in developing countries where changes in diets and lifestyle accompany modernization [ 1 , 5 ]. To counter the increasing public health complications caused by changing nutrition practices, health organizations have provided dietary recommendations [ 6 ]. Whereas past interventions designed to address cases of single nutrient deficiencies have achieved clear indicators of success [ 7 ], intervention trials that target a single class of nutrients to manage the emergence of metabolic diseases in the general population have not produced definitive results [ 8 , 9 ]. It is increasingly being realized that comprehensive analysis of what is being consumed together with the eating pattern, rather than focusing on single nutrients, may be more informative in formulating effective dietary recommendations.

Recent advances in high-throughput analysis have assisted in a better understanding of metabolism and revealed the active role of nutrients and their metabolites in regulating gene expression and cellular function. Nutrients and their metabolites not only serve as building blocks of cellular structures and as fuel sources, but also serve as direct modifiers of protein function, potent signaling molecules as well as inducers and repressors of gene expression. Many of them participate in regulating gene expression by directly modulating the activities of transcription factors and by moderating the changes in epigenetic markings in the genome. One view that is emerging is that optimal cellular homeostasis is crucial for maintaining health and avoiding diseases caused by nutrient deficiency or excess. In addition, intrinsic factors ( e.g. , sex, age, gene variations), extrinsic factors ( e.g. , food, xenobiotics, environment) as well as host/microbiota interaction can influence the assimilation, transformation, and action of both nutrients and non-nutrient components of food. This review considers the importance of nutrient diversity and energy density on cellular metabolism in health and disease ( Figure 1 ).

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Factors that influence human health . A . Relationship of nutrient diversity (ND) and energy density (ED) in equivalent portion sizes, and their impact on cellular metabolism. B . Extrinsic factors ( e.g. , food, xenobiotics, environment), intrinsic factors ( e.g. , sex, gene variations, age), and host-microbiota interaction work together to modulate gene expression program, biological processes, and nutrient and energy metabolism.

Quality of Nutrition

Single nutrient interventions such as fortification of milk with vitamin D, cereal with iron, and table salt with iodine were effective in treating the corresponding nutrient deficiencies [ 10 ]. However, when applied to acquired metabolic syndromes that prevail in modern societies, the same approach has yielded inconclusive results [ 11 , 12 ]. For example, decreasing dietary intakes of saturated fatty acid or cholesterol, and increasing the intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids do not appear to be effective in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases [ 9 , 13 , 14 ]. The importance of the entire diet that is consumed as a regular practice is being recognized, and an increasing number of studies are analyzing dietary pattern to identify possible causes of under- and over-nutrition. By definition, dietary pattern characterizes the overall diet by the quantities, the proportion, and the variety of foods and beverage as well as the frequency of consumption [ 15 ]. The Mediterranean pattern and Western-style pattern are two commonly practiced dietary patterns. The Mediterranean diet contains a high proportion of fruits and vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fish, and poultry with an emphasis on monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, whereas the Western-style diet is generally characterized by energy-dense foods like butter, high-fat dairy products, refined grains, as well as processed and red meat, leaving less space for other nutrients especially those coming from fruits and vegetables. Epidemiological studies have found that the Mediterranean dietary pattern has preventive and protective effects against cardiovascular diseases [ 16 , 17 ], whereas the Western-style dietary pattern is positively associated with dyslipidemia, obesity, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and diabetes [ 18 , 19 ].

Nutrition transition refers to the shift of diet from traditional to modern along with an increase in sedentary behavior, that occur in conjunction with modernization. The concept of nutrition transition was initially proposed by Popkin [ 20 , 21 ] to demonstrate how economic, demographic, and epidemiological changes interact with shifts in dietary consumption and energy expenditure. Interestingly, some countries in East Asia have lower prevalence of certain acquired metabolic syndromes compared to other societies at comparable stages of nutrition transition [ 2 , 5 , 22 ]. This might be partially due to retention of traditional dietary patterns, which promote consumption of foods with a wider array of nutrients and lower energy density [ 23 - 25 ]. However, the reasons underlying the discrepancy are complex, and extend beyond the chemical composition of food to include social and economic issues. Nevertheless, there is evidence supporting the idea that calorie restriction is beneficial for longevity [ 26 - 28 ], providing support for the potential benefit of low-energy density diets ( Figure 1 A).

The prevailing global increase in the development of acquired metabolic syndromes is associated with nutrition transition [ 29 , 30 ]. One proposed concept that potentially explains the pathogenesis of these syndromes stems from persistent modification of cellular function in response to stress in the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and other organelles that make up the cellular reticular network [ 31 ]. Both nutrient deficiency (undernutrition) and nutrient excess (over-nutrition) cause the loss of nutrient/energy homeostasis and thus trigger cellular stress. Coping response mechanisms, such as the unfolded protein response mechanism [ 31 - 33 ], are activated to resolve stress. In the case of a maladaptive response, programmed cell death is activated to remove malfunctioning cells. On the other hand, persistent adjustment of cellular functions enables cells to cope even with continued exposure to stress inducers. Stress coping response mechanisms initially promote adaptive strategies to recover homeostasis in the short term but become pathogenic in the long term due to long-term modification of cellular functions.

Food Components

Food is a complex combination of numerous components which can be classified into nutrients and non-nutrients. Nutrients have been traditionally classified as macronutrients and micronutrients. Plants and animals do not have identical nutrient requirements and produce nutrient metabolites that may not be common to each other. Micronutrients, which include vitamins and minerals, are needed in only small amounts, and are required for the proper function of important proteins and enzymes. Macronutrients, which include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, are typically needed in large amounts. The benefits of consuming macronutrients are self-evident since their subunits serve as building blocks of cellular structures and as energy substrates in all organisms. Some species are unable to synthesize key metabolites needed for survival, and thus must obtain these from other species. These essential metabolites, along with minerals, make up a class of substances referred to as essential nutrients. Non-nutrient components of food are those that cannot be categorized as either macronutrients or micronutrients. These substances include both natural and synthetic compounds. They can be beneficial ( e.g. fiber, and some polyphenolic compounds produced by plants), non-beneficial ( e.g. many food additives, and preservatives) or even toxic ( e.g. xenobiotics, and antibiotics, also some plant-derived polyphenolic compounds) [ 34 , 35 ]. It has become evident that both nutrients and non-nutrients, as well as their metabolites, have the capacity to modulate gene expression, protein function and epigenome [ 36 - 38 ].

The potential of macronutrients and their metabolites to regulate metabolic function is typically taken for granted. For example, the monosaccharide fructose is commonly used as a sweetener in commercially prepared foods and is present in these foods at exceedingly high amounts compared to natural foods [ 39 ]. Fructose is known to stimulate de novo lipid synthesis in the liver and to induce endoplasmic reticulum stress in many cell types [ 40 , 41 ]. In general, excess glucose and fructose induce cellular stress which leads to the development of insulin resistance and fatty liver disease [ 40 , 42 , 43 ]. Certain amino acids have been shown to act as signaling molecules to regulate cellular growth and proliferation via mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) [ 44 , 45 ], whose function has been implicated in many human diseases [ 46 ]. Some fatty acids from fats and oils serve as ligands for G protein-coupled receptors as well as for transcription factors belonging to the nuclear receptor family of transcription factors [ 47 , 48 ], and therefore regulate cellular processes and gene expression [ 49 ]. Saturated fatty acids have long been the focus of investigation as high intake of saturated fats was considered to be a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases [ 50 ], however subsequent studies have not provided strong evidence for causality [ 9 ]. This may be partly attributable to the wide range of biological activities associated with different fatty acids species [ 51 ]. Palmitic acid, a fatty acid species that is enriched in the Western-style diet, is a potent inducer of endoplasmic reticulum stress whereas oleic acid, a fatty acid prominent in the Mediterranean diet, has been shown to inhibit endoplasmic reticulum stress [ 52 , 53 ]. Importantly, the surplus of nutrients and energy induce endoplasmic reticulum stress and inflammatory responses that lead to systemic metabolic dysregulation [ 31 , 32 ].

Many metabolic diseases caused by micronutrient deficiencies can be corrected by restoring the missing micronutrients in the diet [ 54 , 55 ]. One critical aspect of micronutrient supplementation applied to the general population is overdose. Some of these compounds are potent modulators of nuclear receptors and have serious impacts on the activities of multiple metabolic pathways. For example, deficiency of vitamin A can lead to blindness while its excess is teratogenic. Vitamin D also modulates the expression of many genes that participate in many pathways [ 56 ], and its deficiency causes rickets. However, it is not yet known if it is possible to overdose with this micronutrient. Excessive dietary intake of minerals can be equally deleterious, as exemplified by diet-induced hypertension due to high intake of sodium [ 57 ].

Other metabolites produced by the mammalian metabolic machinery also play critical roles in metabolism. For example, cholesterol serves as a membrane component, signaling molecule, and precursor for the synthesis of steroid hormones and bile acids [ 58 ]. Bile acids aid in the absorption of dietary fats and lipid-soluble compounds, and also act as signaling molecules modulating macronutrient and energy metabolism, inflammatory responses, and detoxification through intracellular ligand-activated nuclear receptors [ 59 ]. Gut bacteria are capable of metabolizing bile acids and one of the products is a secondary bile acid referred to as ursodeoxycholic acid. It is of interest to note that this bile acid and its taurine-conjugated derivative can alleviate endoplasmic reticulum stress by promoting proteostasis [ 60 ], and has been shown to be effective in preventing cardiac fibrosis [ 61 , 62 ].

The non-nutrient components of food can be beneficial or non-beneficial. Beneficial ones include fiber and certain types of plant polyphenolic compounds. Dietary fiber, derived from plant-based foods, is not an effective nutrient for humans, but serves as a nutrient for gut microflora. Some of the products generated from dietary fiber include short chain fatty acids ( e.g. , butyric and propionic acids) that are absorbed in the lower gut and serve as both energy substrates and regulators of host metabolism [ 63 , 64 ]. Plant polyphenolic compounds have been popularized as anti-oxidants. However, there are numerous polyphenolic compounds present in plants, and these compounds likely have a wide range of biological activities and effects on human metabolism [ 65 , 66 ]. A polyphenolic-rich extract prepared from potatoes exhibits beneficial activity by attenuating weight gain in mice fed with obesity-inducing high fat diet [ 67 ]. There is also emerging evidence for the modulating effect of polyphenols on the composition and metabolic activity of gut microbiota that provides potential benefits to the host [ 68 ]. Not all polyphenolic compounds are beneficial, as some compounds such as caffeic acid and genistein may be carcinogenic or genotoxic at high dosage [ 34 , 69 , 70 ]. It is commonly assumed that synthetic food additives (colorants, preservatives, sweeteners) do not have effects on metabolism, but this assumption should be tested regularly to ensure food safety. Other xenobiotics ( e.g. pollutants, drugs, and agricultural chemicals) that find their way into the food supply can influence human health directly, by disrupting normal metabolic processes, or indirectly, by influencing the composition of the gut microbiota [ 71 ]. All food components likely work together to drive metabolic processes in every cell of the body.

Factors that Influence Human Nutrition

It is now evident that both extrinsic factors (such as food, xenobiotics, environment) and intrinsic factors (such as sex, age, gene variations), separately and cooperatively, influence nutrient metabolism and the risk for developing various metabolic diseases ( Figure 1 B). Extrinsic factors are important in dictating the efficiency of nutrient metabolism and health outcomes, including physical cues such as photoperiod and temperature. For example, the alternating light/dark photoperiod of the day-night cycles is important in setting endogenous circadian rhythms, which in turn are intimately linked to the regulation of metabolic activity [ 72 ]. Detrimental environments, which include situations that induce the release of stress hormones, can impair the ability of the body to sense and respond to metabolic challenges [ 73 - 75 ]. Extrinsic factors also promote alterations of the epigenome which can have long-lasting impacts on nutrient and energy metabolism and contribute to the development of metabolic disorders in organs like the heart ( e.g. coronary heart disease) and the brain ( e.g. , Alzheimer’s disease) [ 76 - 78 ].

Similarly, intrinsic factors such as gene variations, sex, and age, influence the efficiency of nutrient metabolism ( Figure 1 B). Genetic variations impact on the efficacy of metabolic pathways by affecting the function and specific activities of membrane transporters, receptors, signaling proteins, enzymes, carrier proteins, transcription factors, and other proteins involved in the transport, sensing and processing of specific nutrients [ 79 ]. For example, single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes encoding taste receptors influence food preferences [ 80 ]. Variations in NPC1L1 cholesterol transporter influence dietary cholesterol absorption [ 81 , 82 ]. Sex and aging determine the biological context and represent important modifiers of metabolic efficiency. Males and females have distinct features in terms of metabolic profiles, gene expression programs, and susceptibility to diseases [ 83 - 87 ]. Aging is associated with the loss of metabolic efficiency caused by deterioration of cellular and genetic components resulting from chemical damage accumulated through life stages. At the cellular level, aging is associated with gradual changes in cellular processes designed to maintain homeostasis. However, these adaptive changes that alter cellular metabolism may contribute towards the loss of metabolic efficiency at the organismal level [ 31 ]. Remodeling of the epigenome through life stages may also influence disease susceptibility in elderly individuals [ 37 ].

The gut microbiota represents an important interaction nexus for extrinsic and intrinsic factors that influence the metabolism of nutrients ( Figure 1 ). This enormous ecosystem has gained increased attention in recent years for its role in health and disease. Due to its location, the gut microbiota is exposed not only to the same extrinsic factors experienced by the host but also the metabolites and products produced by the host, such as bile acids, digestive enzymes, and other substances excreted into the gut. Males and females have distinct microbiomes, as do young and old individuals [ 62 , 88 , 89 ]. Recent studies show that the composition of the gut microbiota can have dramatic effects on the phenotype of the host. For example, transplantation of fecal microbiota from a twin pair discordant for obesity into germ-free mice reproduces the obese/lean phenotypes of the donors in their respective recipients [ 90 ]. Gut microbiota taken from children suffering from kwashiorkor can induce significant weight loss when transplanted into germ-free recipient mice [ 91 ]. Moreover, the gut microbiota may be capable of altering the susceptibility of its host to metabolic diseases, by transforming non-nutrient components of food into useful nutrients for the host. Short-chain fatty acids produced from breakdown of dietary fibers can influence the expression of genes involved in proliferation and differentiation of mammalian colonic epithelial cells. They also serve as energy substrate elsewhere in the host [ 63 , 92 ]. Other non-nutrient components of food, such as artificial sweeteners which are deemed safe for human consumption, have been shown to induce dysbiosis in gut microbiota, transforming it into a pathogenic profile [ 35 ]. It was recently suggested that even the use of natural substances, such as trehalose, as routine food additives could have deadly consequences for public health [ 93 ]. The emergence of a highly infectious strain of Clostridium difficile is coincident with the introduction of trehalose into prepared foods, and it is suggested that this compound had permitted the selection and expansion of pathogenic strains by providing a carbon source and energy substrate not normally used by the non-pathogenic strain of this bacterium [ 35 ]. These examples illustrate the importance and interaction of extrinsic and intrinsic factors in modulating and integrating nutrient metabolism, and in determining the nutritional status of the organism.

Technologies Used in the Study of Metabolism and Nutrition

Over the last few decades, the study of metabolism and nutrition has gradually increased in scope in its mission to find ways of alleviating hunger and improving nutrition and health status. With better understanding of cellular and whole-body metabolism, it has become apparent that optimal nutrition is not simply a case of energy adequacy but also that of nutrient diversity ( Figure 1 A). To address the complicated metabolic disorders that stem from over-nutrition and sub-optimal nutrition, it is necessary to apply multipronged approaches using a variety of experimental systems targeted at various levels of biological organization ( Figure 2 ).

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Modern approaches used in the study of nutrition . Descriptive data obtained by Omics technologies from both human studies and animal models to guide mechanistic studies in in vitro and cell models. These approaches collectively provide information for the design of interventions for promoting optimal nutrition.

Animals and humans do not share identical nutrient requirements, but animal models have nonetheless been indispensable in elucidating the processes involved in the metabolism of nutrients. Transgenic and targeted gene disruption technologies applied to mice have greatly contributed to understanding the role of specific genes and their associated polymorphisms in dictating the efficiency of nutrient metabolism. It has been possible to recapitulate human metabolic diseases in these models, as well as to allow the study of human genes in vivo [ 94 - 97 ]. The recent advent of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing will further simplify the creation of new animal models [ 98 ]. With better awareness of the impact of sex differences [ 85 ], future studies can be designed to collect information from both sexes in regard to responses to specific nutritional interventions. Cell culture models have served as useful platforms for elucidating the molecular mechanisms that underlie nutrient metabolism. The use of cells from both experimental animals and human donors can also highlight species-specific differences that impact on nutrition. These models can help to provide insights into descriptive data generated by human intervention trials. It will be important to rigorously design these intervention trials so that these studies generate high quality data that are needed for reliable interpretations.

Omics technologies (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) provide a diverse and rich source of descriptive information needed for the detailed surveillance of nutrient metabolism in humans and experimental models [ 99 ]. Fortunately, suites of mature bioinformatics tools and the necessary computing power are now available to decipher these data and infer relationships among genomes, metabolic processes, and cellular functions that are relevant to health and disease [ 88 , 100 - 102 ]. A coordinated strategy may be useful in integrating the mechanistic and descriptive information drawn from various sources to generate the knowledge that can ultimately be used to formulate useful recommendations for optimal human nutrition and health.

Nutrients have been commonly regarded as nourishment, providing raw materials needed for cells growth and proliferation, and fuel for powering cellular metabolism. However, in addition to these roles, it is evident that nutrients and their metabolites are also active in the facilitation, regulation, and coordination of the vast number of cellular processes that operate to maintain cellular homeostasis. Effective cellular function depends on context, such as sex and age, as well as ideal supply of necessary nutrients. The processed foods that are prominent in the Western-style dietary pattern may be the important factor responsible for the rise of acquired metabolic syndromes as seen in developed societies. The long-term consumption of these foods, which typically have poor nutrient diversity and excessive energy content, lead to deficiencies in key nutrients and excess fuel substrates that likely trigger the loss of cellular nutrient/energy homeostasis. Due to the continued exposure of cells to stressors, the metabolic changes at the cellular level intended initially as adaptive strategies, persist and ultimately become the driver of metabolic dysfunction at the organismal level. Recent advances in high-throughput analyses, creation of animal models of human metabolic diseases and bioinformatic tools hold promise for accelerating the process of formulating more effective nutritional recommendations. In the meantime, consumption of foods with low-energy density and high nutrient diversity seems to be a prudent approach for minimizing cellular stress and the promotion of optimal cellular function and health.

Acknowledgments

Research in our laboratories is funded by grants from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

Author Contributions

Yiheng Chen, BSc, prepared a draft of the manuscript; Marek Michalak, PhD, and Luis Agellon, PhD, provided guidance on topic selection, manuscript outline construction, discussions during the writing process, and editing of the manuscript.

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What is more important nutrition or taste

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IELTS academic What is more important nutrition or taste

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Which is more important in the food you choose flavour cost or nutrition

Which is more important in the food you choose: flavour, cost, or nutrition?

Profile picture for user Lê Đoàn Anh Pha

I, myself, believe that nutrition plays an important role in building up our health. The choices we make when we eat don’t affect just one part of the body—like our stomach, but they also affect our skin, heart, brain. We have to consider the importance of food nutrition because of some following reasons.

A nutritious diet may prevent the chance of developing various diseases. It helps to prevent non-communicable diseases including diabetes, some cancers and other conditions linked to obesity. For instance, pregnant women and adults over 50, vitamins such as vitamin D and minerals such as calcium and iron are important to consider when choosing foods to eat instead of just satisfying our hunger by a tasty but unhealthy dish. For certain diseases, choosing to eat certain foods and take certain supplements may help us maintain our health.

Secondly, a prudent diet can enhance our skin health. By increasing our skin's collagen production, our skin will be smoother and suppler, which will help prevent early wrinkles and skin sagging. Moreover, when we drink lots of water throughout the day, we are providing our inner organs and our skin with moisture that has been lost through sweat and other natural processes.

Finally, by practising good nutrition, we can improve our immune system. Good nutrition is vital to a strong immune system, which may contribute protection from seasonal illness and other health problems. No food or supplement can prevent illness but by including Protein, VitA, E, B6, B12, ZinC, copper, and iron in our eating plan may support immune response and play a role in a clean eating style.

To sum up, it is true to say that "we are what we eat", so the status of our body and how well it works rely a large extent on how appropriately it is supplied.

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    It was the importance of nutrition that was most strongly associated with HEI-2010 scores. Interestingly, nutrition importance was even a more important factor influencing HEI than either income or education. People who attached high importance to nutrition during food shopping had HEI scores that were 8.0 points higher than those who did not.

  2. (PDF) Taste, Nutrition, and Health

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  5. The Science of Taste & Nutrition

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    The 'taste of food' plays an important role in food choice. Furthermore, foods high in fat, sugar and salt are highly palatable and associated with increased food consumption. Research exploring taste importance on dietary choice, behaviour and intake is limited, particularly in young adults. Therefore, in this study a total of 1306 Australian ...

  8. Taste, Nutrition, and Health

    Abstract. The sensation of flavour reflects the complex integration of aroma, taste, texture, and chemesthetic (oral and nasal irritation cues) from a food or food component. Flavour is a major determinant of food palatability-the extent to which a food is accepted or rejected-and can profoundly influence diet selection, nutrition, and health.

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  18. What's more important: taste or nutrition Flashcards

    1:having good or equal amounts of all the necessary parts of something Example sentence: Most news articles gave a balanced [=fair, unbiased] account of the event. — opposite unbalanced 2:to make (something, such as a plate or your body) steady by keeping weight equal on all sides [+ object] — usually + on Example sentence: The waiters balanced the food on large trays.

  19. The Importance Of Taste Over Nutrition

    Since our brain is in charge of how we perceive the taste of food, we tend to eat a variety of food and have preferences to some foods over another. When in reality our bodies could survive off the same food, eaten over and over. Theoretically there could be one and only one food that we eat. If there was a pill that contained all the essential ...

  20. Unit 2: What's More Important: Taste Or Nutrition? Flashcards

    Having a strong, hot flavor Collocations: be, taste, very, really, quite Chilli taste spicy. Wise Adj Having the knowledge or experience to make good and sensible decisions Collocations: be, look, seem She is wise to make a decision.

  21. Focus: Nutrition and Food Science: Importance of Nutrients and Nutrient

    Quality of Nutrition. Single nutrient interventions such as fortification of milk with vitamin D, cereal with iron, and table salt with iodine were effective in treating the corresponding nutrient deficiencies [].However, when applied to acquired metabolic syndromes that prevail in modern societies, the same approach has yielded inconclusive results [11,12].

  22. What is more important nutrition or taste

    Taste is more important than nutrition in our diet. First of all, not all nutritional food have a good taste. But in contrast, we need to include nutritional food in our diet, in order to have a healthy body. Secondly, there is a relationship between taste and mood. When people eat tasty food, their mood been more better.

  23. Which is more important in the food you choose flavour cost or nutrition

    I, myself, believe that nutrition plays an important role in building up our health. The choices we make when we eat don't affect just one part of the body—like our stomach, but they also affect our skin, heart, brain. We have to consider the importance of food nutrition because of some following reasons.