ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book describes a scientific approach to food and nutrition systems to underpin lifelong learning. It also describes an ecological systems approach to health, human nutrition and food systems. The book defines the elements of human nutrition. It also defines an ecological approach to food, human nutrition and food systems, the dimensions of human nutrition and some of its historical origins. The book discuses that farming practice is also a social phenomenon, that economic power is one of the main drivers and that foods are inherently biological in nature. It explains food processing environments. The book explores what foods are supplied by farmers, food manufacturers and supermarkets. It describes the sustainability of the food system, particularly given the escalation of climate change. The book explores nutritional requirements of the human body at different life stages to optimise health.
