Comparative Essay Food and Nutrition

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Comparative Essay NMDS121 29TH March 2014 WC – 1575 France and Italy Dietary choices of France and Italy will be discussed. Focusing on key areas of cultural identity, traditional food habits and environmental factors have been implicated in the impressive health status of the Italians and French. The strong connection between dietary habits, lifestyle and family connection is explored, focusing on the beneficial health attributes offered. European history of food culture includes many significant contributors including France and Italy. They are found on the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea in Southern Europe (Kittler & Sucher 2008, p.156). Italy’s culinary influence stems from multiple factors including a history of several political governments’, specifically Spain, Austria, France and the Roman Empire. The changing historical fortunes of the various regions have also left their mark on the cuisine. Sicilian cooking for example, still reflects a degree of Arab influence as they had introduced oranges, sugarcane and alternate spices such as saffron. Plus the Austro-Hungarian dish of goulash can still be tasted in Trieste. Its changing geography from the alpine peaks in the north to tip of the toe in the south results in a fascinating profusion of different foods; the distinct microclimates produce a range of different sausages, hams and cheeses, as well as the rich palette of Italian wines (Brittin 2011, p.148). The Roman Catholic Church played a significant part of every day life and it was the social structure of the local families that influenced the beliefs and behaviours toward the church and other everyday factors such as education (Kittler & Sucher 2008, p.158). France had many historical influences that had tremendous impact on present day France. The Guild System for example, was introduced by the monarchy to

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