Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
2.12
CONCLUSIONS
All agriculture should be viewed in terms of food production, although agriculture
does produce other human necessities such as fiber, for example, cotton, flax, and
silk. The human body needs energy, protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, and minerals
to function, grow, and reproduce. Agriculture produces the vast majority of these
necessary inputs. However, it is not sufficient to have one source of food, as it is
necessary to have a mixture of foods so that a balance of the necessary components
is obtained. The body cannot make all the proteins, fats, vitamins it needs for proper
functioning. It cannot make any of the minerals needed either. In addition providing
an excess of any one dietary component will not make up for deficiencies in the
intake of others.
Any change in agriculture production must keep in mind the dietary needs of the
people engaged in agriculture and the people not engaged in agriculture who are depen-
dent on the agricultural productivity of the area. Because of the need for a balanced diet,
changes in agriculture production should be made in terms of providing both a more
secure source and a more balanced food supply.
QUESTIONS
1. Which food sources given in this chapter have the highest and which the lowest
energy contents? Considering other body needs, what might make one of these
sources of energy preferable over the others? Explain.
2. Which food source supplies the most protein? Of the protein sources given in
Figure 2.8, which is likely to be produced in more parts of the world and why
might this be the case?
3. Of the food sources given in Figure 2.12, which has the highest and which the
lowest fat content on a dry-weight basis? In considering which of these sources
is the best, what specific fatty acids must be considered and why?
4. On what basis are the vitamins divided into two groups? In high concentration all
vitamins are toxic. This being the case, why are some vitamins more dangerous
when consumed in high concentration than others? Explain.
5. Minerals are important in the body on both a macroscale and on a cellular level.
Explain and give examples of how minerals are used in both these ways.
6. Explain the importance of fiber in the diet considering that the body does not get
any nutrients from it.
7. Using the Internet and the resources given, pick the three foods of those discussed
that are best in overall nutritional value. Be sure to include essential components in
making your decision.
8. Many proponents of certain foods promote them as the “perfect food.” Describe the
characteristics you would want in a perfect food.
