Book Description

This book has information that helps fill the gap between modern food technology and nutrition, and the use of this knowledge by teenagers. Boys and girls are very much aware of the wonders of present-day technology. They want accurate scientific information to help them in various space-age ventures. Many know that vital nutrients in the foods they eat affect their appearance, strength, endurance and resistance to disease. Many do not know that foods affect their personalities, mental performance and the health of their future children. Teenage girls often have not been told that those who are poorly nourished during the teen years will have babies with more congenital abnormalities, lower pediatric ratings, and more stillborn and premature births than girls who are well-fed regardless of how carefully they eat during pregnancy. They will have more complications before, during and after pregnancy. The field of nutrition and food chemistry has become so complex that it is difficult for teenagers to take advantage of information now available. Many popular beliefs about foods are based on superstitions rather than scientific truths and many are too complicated to be useful. In this book only the most important food facts are presented. Simple, quick methods for calculating vitamin, mineral and calorie content of foods are described. Suggestions for economical eating are given, as well as inexpensive low calorie recipes. Medical checkups by a physician rather than self-medication are stressed. Since a student's physical appearance and his or her performance in sports and school work are affected by food intake over long periods of time, the prime goal of this book is to encourage consistently good food habits.