This guide to food, nutrients and diet provides a reference source for all those studying food-related subjects and is of significance to all those with a healthy interest in food and diet. It includes current trends in food consumption in the UK, based on the National Food Survey and other scientifically conducted dietary surveys on specific population groups - vegetarians, weighed food intake, standard portion sizes, the Official UK Food Tables, dietary computer programs and the nutrient composition of food portions. The book also gives essential details of what our food contains, from vitamins and minerals, sugars, fats and protein to colours, flavours and other additives. The definitions of the various nutrients are explained and such topics as toxins and residue hormones in food, nutrient loss due to degradation and leaching, nutrient availability and utilization and changes in nutritional value in the kitchen or factory are examined. It focuses on sources of advice including the Department of Health's DRVs, COMA and NACNE reports, the media, the food industry, British Nutrition Foundation, Department of Health and health professionals such as nutritionists and dietitians.
Current trends in advice are reviewed and constraints affecting diet such as religion, philosophy, health problems, physiological status, age, sex, economics and life style are discussed. Finally, the volume examines diets, such as those for a toddler, teenager, student, business person and OAP, highlighting areas for change. Guidance on putting dietary recommendations into practice is provided and the implications of these recommendations for choice and preparation of food are given. A dietary assessment schedule and a listing of weights of food portions with nutrient content are presented, to introduce the techniques of dietary self-evaluation.