Alimentação mundial: uma reflexão sobre a história

Abstract

Food is a fundamental factor in the human daily routine, not only because it is a basic need, but also because access to it has become a Public Health problem given that both lack and excess may lead to disease. This study aimed at making a retrospective study to offer subsidies for a reflection about world alimentary patterns. The historic evolution of world nutrition reveals that gastronomy, resources, habits and food patterns are important aspects for a reflection on the complexity and richness among countries. When one talks about food it is impossible to forget hunger, a serious problem for it hits millions around the world. Economic and social inequality have hindered acess to food for populations, mainly in developing countries. It is important to perceive the emergency of political decisions that give priority to the economic development through better income distribution and agricultural policies, helped by new technologies.