THE NUTRITION NEXUS: EDUCATING ON THE SCIENCE, ETHICS AND HEALTH IMPACT OF FOOD CHOICES

Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food", as stated by the father of modern medicine, Hippocrates.For centuries, people have experienced and questioned the impact of dietary choices on health.The present micro-scenario is designed to highlight the interconnected effects of eating habits, various cooking methods, and the role of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) on human well-being.This Biology lesson, intended for secondary and higher education, explores the biochemical transformations that food undergoes during cooking, comparing different techniques and examining their influence on nutrient preservation.Emphasis is placed on the importance of a balanced diet and the function of macro-and micronutrients in managing and preventing chronic conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease.Furthermore, students are instructed to delve into the controversial topic of GMOs, assessing potential advantages and drawbacks through the lenses of ethics, biosecurity and food safety.Through active learning and group projects, critical thinking and decision-making are promoted.Finally, students evaluate the educational experience and contribute their thoughts, in the form of a thesis on the question "Are we what we eat?", an inquiry initially posed by the French lawyer, politician and author, Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, that still troubles individuals to this day.