Biocultural perspectives on nutrition

Abstract

Even a cursory glance through the scientific and humanities literature, or a modicum of reflective thought is enough to produce ready agreement with the idea that culture is a major determinant of what we eat. Whereas it is easily seen that the direct consequences of food intake are biological -food meets the energy and nutrient needs of the body --- it is also apparent that the nature of that food intake is shaped by a wide variety of geographical, social, psychological, religious, economic and political factors. Recognition of the fact that food intake is a response to both biological and cultural stimuli and that eating fulfils both biological and social needs leads inescapably to the conclusion that the study of nutrition is a biocultural issue par excellence. Foods chosen, methods of eating, preparation, number of meals per day, time of eating and the size of portions eaten make up human foodways and are an integrated part of a coherent cultural pattern in which each custom and practice has a part to play. Food habits come into being and are maintained because they are practical or symbolically meaningful behaviours in a particular culture although this may not be readily apparent to the casual observer. They are a product of ecological forces acting within the context of historical conditioning and belief systems --- a melding of new ideas and imperatives with old traditions.