CHOICE OF FOOD

 What do you mean by choice of food?

According to us choice of food is the taste of food. We chooses our food according to taste without knowing the nutrient value of food and even we do not care about its after effect on our health.

The basic misconception  about food is that we crave for the food which our body needs. We very often hear 'Let him eat ( whatever food he likes most ). If he likes it so much, may be he needs it more.'

We humans are considered to be the most advanced where our intelligence is compared to that of animals, but as far as food selection is concerned, man does not retain this position. Choice of foods relating  to the body's requirement is more accurate in the case of animals. The food choice of a human is influenced by his social life and cultural background as well as learning.

Learning profoundly influences our food selection. It is interesting to note that infants show a natural ability to select foods needed by their body. This ability is lost as the child grows up.

Today there is a flooding of foods imported from all around the world. A vast variety of processed foods are also available. Advertisements and propaganda with information. All this result in confusion of making the right choice and selection of the food which will impart good health.

Under the circumstances, it is very important to read the food label, especially the nutritional information on the labels. The consumer must use his discretion to compare foods based on nutrients that they provide and wisely select those foods which will impart good health to him in the long run.

Reading the label will help in identifying foods that may be high in sugar, salt and fat. Health claims being made as 'zero', 'low', very low, etc. must be checked by a discerning consumer. Today several incidents of food allergies are being manifested. Generally these are associated with consumption of milk, eggs, wheat, soybean, nuts, shellfish, crustaceans, etc. Allergen declaration is also mandatory on the label.