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Morbidity of the food
habits in the western world. Food is an integral part of our society
and necessary for survival. Food is also a source of pleasure It is an excess of food, or too much of the wrong kinds of foods, that lead to health problems, obesity, and, in a worst case, poisoning.
Thus, a delicate balance must be integrated into our
eating habits. Eating habits contribute to define a
society, a family, and a personality. Cultural tastes, personal preference,
and financial status are all influences. For example, the French are known
for their rich cheeses and wines, while the Germans are known for eating
large quantities of pork. Americans have developed a society where “fast
foods”, that are high in fat and low in nutritional value, have become a
convenient and inexpensive dietary staple. These are all generalizations that
represent how society influences our eating habits. Television and magazines
also contribute to our eating habits; we are inundated with food
advertisements, recipes, and the latest “dieting” trends. Food can also be seen as a privilege, gift
or reward. It is common to give a child a sweet in reward for good behavior,
or give a box of chocolates to a loved one as a sign of affection. Eating
is a social event in which dishes reflect habits, social memberships and
culture. To impress guests, we may prepare a gourmet meal, complete with
heavy sauces and rich desserts. Obesity is responsible for 300.000 deaths
a year in the US.  |
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