Why we eat what we eatWhy we eat what we eat refers to why and how people eat, what foods they eat and who they eat with, as well as how people store, use and discard the food. Individual, social, cultural, religious, economic, and political factors all influence how people eat food. Economy Money, values, and the consumer all influence what a person purchases. The price of a food is not an indicator of its nutritional value. Cost is a combination of availability, status and demand for a food. There are differences in social classes when it comes to food. Low-income groups, in particular, have a greater tendency to consume unbalanced diets and have a low intake of fruit and vegetables. This leads to both undernutrition and overnutrition within members of a community, depending on gender and/or age group. The factors that influence food choice are not only based on individual preferences, but are economic. Low-income groups face specific challenges when attempting dietary change, and solutions need to be specifically targeted. High income groups have the opportunity to try any type of food. This affects the way we eat. Political Food policies are the political aspects of the production, control, regulation, inspection, distribution and consumption of food. Politics can actually be influenced by ethical, cultural and medical controversies regarding the correct methods of growing, farming and retailing. Political factors also influence food availability and trends. Food laws and trade agreements influence what is available within and between countries and also influence food prices. Food labeling laws determine what consumers know about the food they purchase. TechnologicalTechnology has actually had an impact on how and what we... middle of paper... are eaten in some cultures, although they are unacceptable foods. sources in other cultures. There are also rules regarding who it is appropriate to eat with. Health What we eat often depends on our health, and what we eat also affects our health. When you are sick it is normal for your appetite to decrease and you to eat less. Sometimes, an unusually small or large appetite that persists may indicate a health condition that needs to be treated. The food we eat provides our body with the information and materials it needs to function properly. If we do not receive the right information, our body processes are affected and our health worsens. If we eat too much food or food that gives our body the wrong instructions, we can become overweight and run the risk of developing diseases and conditions. , such as arthritis, diabetes and heart disease. What we eat is fundamental to our health.