Food and health
"The prolongation of life expectancy in developed countries has been accelerating during recent decades. Advances in hygiene (particularly food-related) and defences against infectious diseases (vaccines and antibiotics) have, in particular, enabled a drastic reduction in premature (infantile) deaths. However, this trend has given way to other, more chronic conditions, which are often diet-related...
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... The sad quartet of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer is gathering pace at an alarming rate.
The solution seems simple: reduce the amount of food we eat! In fact, analysis of this question reveals intricate relationships between numerous factors : the complexity of foods, their multiple combinations in a varied diet and the complexity of their effects on health as a function of the physiological, genetic or sociological environment of individuals. Understanding this gigantic puzzle has proved to be a major challenge for research. The stakes are high because food and nutrition is undoubtedly the principal – or perhaps the only – lever we can use to act against the growth of these chronic diseases and the costs they imply".
Xavier Leverve
Scientific Director, Human Nutrition
and Food Safety |
