Obesogens

According to SF Environment (https://sfenvironment.org/vegetables-fruits-in-season-bay-area), apples, avocados, dates, figs, grapefruits, and pears are the fruits that are currently in season for October. Arugula, kale, collard greens, Swiss chard, bok choy, brussel sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, fennel, okra, snap peas, tomatoes and winter squash are vegetables currently in season. I like the idea of seasonal/local foods. I feel it could add a sense of anticipation, since consumers will have to wait for a specific time for these specific foods to come out on the market. The article also states that supporting seasonal and local foods means that food is tastier and more fresh since they don't have to travel long distances to get to one's plate. This also promotes food safety for the same reasons. Food providers won't have to use too many preservatives to help maintain the food's freshness. It also allows consumers to support their local community, which I think is important for the community's sustainability. It's something everyone almost anywhere can practice and benefit from.

The link in the article wasn't working so I searched a Harvest Calendar online. This is what I found.

Source: http://www.pickyourown.org/CAharvestcalendar.htm

I have read about obesogens in passing, but I think the article does a good job of explaining what they are and their effects on people. I found it important that the article talked about the effects on obesogens in utero. Blumberg mentions that while obesogens can predispose people to become fat, it does not mean people can't make the necessary choices to avoid becoming obese. It may change how the body addresses fat, but ultimately, people can still make good and healthy choices.

Monosodium glutamate, a noted obesogen, was found under the Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology Database, Toxline and Hazardous Substances Data Bank. It is widely believed to be the provocative agent in the "Chinese restaurant syndrome" or MSG symptom complex. It is a group of symptoms usually seen in people after eating Chinese food. These symptoms include headaches, skin flushing, and sweating. It can start asthma attacks in subjects who have asthma. It is used in cooking a lot, as it provides more flavor. However, when left unchecked, it can contribute to obesity.

Comments

  1. UnknownOctober 10, 2018 at 10:40 PM

    I think you provided various examples as to why fresh food is better. I agree with you that people would be able to use less preservatives in food which is great. You are also right when you say that the food is tastier :). I hadn't heard about obesogens before so I found this topic super interesting. As you stated, the article was great at explaining this complex topic. The obesogen you choose was really interesting to me and concerning because I eat a lot of Chinese food as it is my favorite. I'm thinking about eating less of it now, especially after reading that it can cause me to have an asthma attack since I have asthma.

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  2. UnknownNovember 5, 2018 at 6:26 PM

    I think it would be really cool if we could change the ways that grocery stores provide fresh produce. Like if we could put restrictions in place so that we could only get fruits and veg that were in season in order to reduce the amount of pesticides and chemicals we consume at one time. I think the world would be outraged but I wonder how that would change our exposures.

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