What Is the Food Matrix

GW Integrative Medicine

Today, we talk about the food matrix, ultra-processed food, and preventive nutrition with Anthony Fardet, PhD, a senior research scientist with the National Institute for Agricultural Research in France and the author of "Stop ultra-processed foods! Let's Eat True!" His main research interest is the link between the food matrix, food processing, and health potential within the context of sustainability. A food matrix, as defined by USDA, is "the nutrient and non-nutrient components of foods and their molecular relationships, i.e., chemical bonds, to each other." Dr. Fardet is a leader in preventive nutrition–a branch of nutrition that consists of producing data to define the best way to nourish oneself in order to live as long as possible in good health. Preventive nutrition includes both physiological, behavioral, technological, environmental, economic, social, cultural, and religious dimensions. He is particularly involved in promoting a more holistic view of preventive nutrition to lower diet-related chronic diseases, and to increase what he calls “the healthy life years.” He believes that human nutrition should not be explored via a pharmacological approach because food compounds are not drugs. ◘ Related Links Dr. Fardet's website https://bit.ly/3KvFenC Dr. Fardet’s Researchgate page https://bit.ly/3pT1uON Harvard Health: What are ultra-processed foods and are they bad for our health? https://bit.ly/3R7C1wE Ultra-Processed Foods and Food System Sustainability: What Are the Links? https://bit.ly/3QOkASa ◘ Transcript https://bit.ly/3TtD2Bc ◘ This podcast features the song “Follow Your Dreams” (freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott_Ho…ur_Dreams_1918) by Scott Holmes, available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial (01https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) license. ◘ Disclaimer: The content and information shared in GW Integrative Medicine is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in GW Integrative Medicine represent the opinions of the host(s) and their guest(s). For medical advice, diagnosis, and/or treatment, please consult a medical professional.