The term we use to describe the energy derived from foods is Calorie. In other words, the terms energy and Calorie, when applied to foods, are synonymous. One calorie is defined as the quantity of heat necessary to raise one kg (1 liter) of water 1°C. What we call a calorie, therefore, is actually a kilogram calorie or kilocalorie, which is abbreviated kcal. […]
Food Science
What is Food Texture?
Do you often crave something crispy such as potato chips? You want a certain texture. Crispiness is just one of the many familiar textures of food, and texture is just as important to our food enjoyment as appearance, taste, and aroma. Texture, therefore, refers to the aspects of a food that we can feel with […]
Junk Science Examples in Nutrition: Spotting Bad Nutrition Information
Not a week goes by when someone doesn’t bring up his/her mistrust of science. No area of science has less trust these days than those associated with nutrition and health. And this mistrust is perfectly valid. Nutrition science is a mess. How many times have you asked why information about nutrition is so contradictory and […]
Are All Seedless Fruits Genetically Modified (GMO)?
Under a video on how to pick a ripe watermelon, I came across a random rant about seedless fruits. Some person was complaining about the absence of black seeds in watermelons and wished they would come back. I’ve never seen anyone lamenting the absence of seeds in a watermelon, but it wasn’t this curious comment […]
Will Putting Turmeric in Your Food Really Make a Difference to Your Health?
Before I begin answering the question posed in the title, let me ask you a question? Do you like the taste of turmeric? Have you noticed that all the articles telling you to put turmeric powder on your food to improve your health are telling you to put a pinch of it here, a smattering […]
Does Storing Bread in the Fridge Make it Last Longer?
I’ve seen a lot of people trying to bust the ‘myth’ that storing food in the fridge keeps it fresh for longer. Most of them are failing miserably. Not because the statements they are making are wrong, but because they fall prey to a common critical thinking mistake: failing to define our terms. Did you […]