Food Tech Overview

Question 1

What are food additives?

Answer 1

Food additives are substances added to food to enhance flavor, appearance, or preservation. They include preservatives, colorants, flavorings, and emulsifiers.

Question 2

What does GMO stand for, and what does it mean?

Answer 2

GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism. It refers to plants or animals that have been genetically altered using biotechnology to improve their characteristics, such as resistance to pests or improved nutritional content.

Question 3

What is nutrition?

Answer 3

Nutrition is the process of providing or obtaining the food necessary for health and growth. It involves the intake and utilization of nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Question 4

What are the key nutrients essential for human health?

Answer 4

The key nutrients essential for human health include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Each plays a critical role in maintaining bodily functions, growth, and overall health.

Question 5

What are macronutrients, and why are they important?

Answer 5

Macronutrients are nutrients required in large amounts for energy and growth. They include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Each macronutrient has a distinct role in maintaining health, such as providing energy (carbohydrates and fats) or building tissues (proteins).

Question 6

What are micronutrients, and what is their significance?

Answer 6

Micronutrients are nutrients required in smaller amounts but are crucial for health. They include vitamins and minerals that support various physiological functions, such as immune function, bone health, and energy production.

Question 7

What is the role of protein in the diet?

Answer 7

Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, making enzymes and hormones, and supporting immune function. Sources include meat, dairy, legumes, and nuts.

Question 8

What is the role of carbohydrates in the diet?

Answer 8

Carbohydrates provide a primary source of energy for the body. They are found in foods such as grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Question 9

What is dietary fibre, and why is it important?

Answer 9

Dietary fiber is a type of carbohydrate that the body cannot digest. It is important for maintaining digestive health and can help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

Question 10

Why is water essential for health?

Answer 10

Water is crucial for maintaining hydration, regulating body temperature, and facilitating various physiological processes, including digestion and nutrient absorption.

Question 11

What are vitamins, and why are they important?

Answer 11

Vitamins are organic compounds required in small amounts for various bodily functions. They are essential for processes such as metabolism, immunity, and cell repair. Vitamins include A, B complex, C, D, E, and K.

Question 12

What are minerals, and what roles do they play in the body?

Answer 12

Minerals are inorganic nutrients that are vital for health. They support processes such as bone formation (calcium), oxygen transport (iron), and fluid balance (sodium). Common minerals include calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc.

Question 13

What are essential nutrients, and why must they be obtained from the diet?

Answer 13

Essential nutrients are substances the body cannot synthesize or produce in sufficient quantities. They must be obtained through diet to maintain health. Essential nutrients include certain amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.

Question 14

What are non-essential nutrients?

Answer 14

Non-essential nutrients are substances that the body can synthesize on its own or in sufficient quantities. While they are not required from the diet, they still play important roles in maintaining health. Examples include some amino acids and fatty acids.

Question 15

What are phytochemicals, and what benefits do they offer?

Answer 15

Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds found in plants that may have health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and lowering the risk of chronic diseases. They are not essential nutrients but contribute to overall health. Examples include flavonoids and carotenoids.

Question 16

What are antioxidants, and how do they benefit health?

Answer 16

Antioxidants are compounds that protect the body from oxidative stress and free radical damage. They help prevent cellular damage, which can contribute to chronic diseases. Common antioxidants include vitamins C and E, selenium, and flavonoids.

Question 17

How does food technology contribute to public health?

Answer 17

Food technology contributes to public health by identifying and addressing the causes of lifestyle diseases through better food management practices. It focuses on developing healthier food options, improving food safety, and enhancing nutritional content to prevent disease and promote well-being.

Question 18

How does food technology address the prevention of diabetes?

Answer 18

Food technology addresses diabetes prevention by developing low glycemic index (GI) foods and reducing sugar content in products. It also focuses on incorporating high fiber and whole grain ingredients to manage blood sugar levels and prevent the onset of diabetes.

Question 19

How does food technology contribute to the prevention of osteoporosis?

Answer 19

Food technology contributes to osteoporosis prevention by fortifying foods with calcium and vitamin D. It also develops products with added nutrients that support bone health, such as fortified dairy alternatives and calcium-enriched cereals.

Question 20

What are the nutritional considerations for different life stages, and how does food technology address them?

Answer 20

Nutritional needs vary by life stage, including infancy, childhood, adulthood, and elderly age. Food technology addresses these needs by creating age-specific products, such as infant formulas with essential nutrients, fortified foods for children, and nutrient-dense options for older adults.

Question 21

What is food intolerance, and how can food technology help manage it?

Answer 21

Food intolerance involves difficulties in digesting certain foods, leading to adverse reactions. Food technology helps manage food intolerance by developing products that are free from problematic ingredients, such as gluten-free or lactose-free alternatives.

Question 22

What is a food allergy, and how does food technology address it?

Answer 22

A food allergy is an immune response to specific proteins in foods. Food technology addresses food allergies by creating allergen-free products, improving labeling practices, and developing processes to avoid cross-contamination.

Question 23

What is anaphylaxis, and what precautions can food technology take?

Answer 23

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. Food technology helps prevent anaphylaxis by developing allergen-free foods, implementing strict cross-contamination controls, and ensuring clear labeling of allergenic ingredients.

Question 24

What is food security, and how does food technology contribute to it?

Answer 24

Food security involves ensuring the availability and access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. Food technology enhances food security by improving agricultural practices, optimizing food storage and preservation methods, and ensuring effective food distribution systems.

Question 25

What are common food preservation methods, and how do they impact food safety and quality?

Answer 25

Common food preservation methods include refrigeration, freezing, drying, and canning. These methods extend shelf life, prevent spoilage, and maintain nutritional quality. Food technology focuses on optimizing these techniques to enhance food safety and extend product freshness.

Question 26

What causes food spoilage, and how can it be prevented?

Answer 26

Food spoilage is caused by microbial growth, enzymatic activity, and chemical changes. It can be prevented through proper storage, effective preservation methods, and maintaining high hygiene standards in food processing. Food technology develops solutions to reduce spoilage and maintain product quality.

Question 27

What is food sustainability, and how does food technology contribute to it?

Answer 27

Food sustainability involves practices that ensure current food needs are met without compromising future generations. It includes reducing food waste, employing sustainable agricultural practices, and developing eco-friendly packaging. Food technology contributes by innovating in these areas to promote long-term sustainability.

Question 28

What are WHS regulations, and why are they important in food technology?

Answer 28

WHS regulations ensure the health and safety of workers in the food industry. They cover safe equipment handling, proper hygiene practices, and risk management. Adhering to WHS regulations is crucial for preventing workplace accidents and ensuring a safe environment.

Question 29

What factors affect food availability?

Answer 29

Factors affecting food availability include climate conditions, agricultural practices, economic factors, and distribution systems