Food, Science, and the Human Body

Where to Watch Food, Science, and the Human Body

The Future of Food

2017-07-21

Artificial meat. Bio-fortified crops. Vertical farms in the middle of cities. Bread grown from spent grains used in breweries. Crops grown with agroforestry methods. Conclude the course with a broad look at developing a food system that is better equipped to deal with population growth and diminishing resources.

Watch Food, Science, and the Human Body Season 1 Episode 36 Now

Should We Be Powered by Plants?

2017-07-21

Turn now to the politics of eating a plant-based diet. What are the health benefits of vegetarianism and veganism?

Watch Food, Science, and the Human Body Season 1 Episode 35 Now

Should the World Eat Meat?

2017-07-21

In the first of two lectures on the politics of food, explore whether or not sustainable meat production is a myth or reality. What are the environmental costs of meat production?

Watch Food, Science, and the Human Body Season 1 Episode 34 Now

World Poverty and Undernutrition

2017-07-21

Every night, one in eight people goes to bed hungry. Get an eye-opening look at undernourishment in the developing and post-industrialized worlds.

Watch Food, Science, and the Human Body Season 1 Episode 33 Now

The Overnutrition Epidemic

2017-07-21

According to the World Health Organization, most of the world's population now lives in countries where obesity kills more people than malnutrition. In this insightful lecture, explore the two-pronged pathway to global obesity: decreased physical activity and radical changes in diet (including the massive consumption of sugar).

Watch Food, Science, and the Human Body Season 1 Episode 32 Now

What the World Is Eating

2017-07-21

Take a fascinating tour of different meals from around the world to better appreciate the global tradition of eating. Cultural cuisines you explore are those listed by the United Nations as part of the world's "intangible cultural heritage," and include Japanese cuisine, Mexican cuisine, and French cuisine.

Watch Food, Science, and the Human Body Season 1 Episode 31 Now

Civilization: Diets and Diseases

2017-07-21

Professor Crittenden explains the second and third epidemiological transitions in human evolution and the changing face of the world's disease-scape. First is the decline over the last two centuries of infectious disease and the rise of chronic degenerative diseases (like diabetes).

Watch Food, Science, and the Human Body Season 1 Episode 30 Now

You Are What Your Mother Ate

2017-07-21

Your diet as a fetus has a powerful influence on your life as an adult. What micronutrients are most important to your first nine months of life?

Watch Food, Science, and the Human Body Season 1 Episode 29 Now

Brain Food

2017-07-21

There's data out there to suggest that it's possible to feed your brain. In this lecture on the links between diet and the brain, explore the role of hormones like insulin and leptin; unpack the tangled links between food cravings and addiction; and consider how the MIND diet can help delay neurodegeneration.

Watch Food, Science, and the Human Body Season 1 Episode 28 Now

The Gut Microbiome

2017-07-21

Your body can play host to anywhere from 30 to 50 trillion bacterial cells, the most species of which are in your gut. Learn how gut microbiota help us metabolize food and drugs, and defend us against pathogens.

Watch Food, Science, and the Human Body Season 1 Episode 27 Now

The Scoop on Poop

2017-07-21

There's a lot we can learn about the end point of nutrition. Here, trace the science and history of excrement, including its oldest fossilized forms (known as coprolites), the study of latrine systems in ancient Rome, and the important role played by gut bacteria in excrement production.

Watch Food, Science, and the Human Body Season 1 Episode 26 Now

The Coevolution of Genes and Diet

2017-07-21

Biological and cultural evolution are not separate phenomena, and this is nowhere better exemplified than with diet. In this lecture, Professor Crittenden discusses the ways in which our genes and diet have co-evolved.

Watch Food, Science, and the Human Body Season 1 Episode 25 Now

Food as Medicine

2017-07-21

Is there a substantial link between diet and disease prevention? Professor Crittenden explains the medicinal histories behind several foods.

Watch Food, Science, and the Human Body Season 1 Episode 24 Now

Food as Recreational Drugs

2017-07-21

Throughout history, we've consumed food not just for nourishment, but also for psychological effects. In this lecture, go inside the world of recreational drugs, including psilocybin mushrooms, edible marijuana treats, and addictions to foods like chocolate or french fries.

Watch Food, Science, and the Human Body Season 1 Episode 23 Now

When People Eat Things That Aren't Food

2017-07-21

Sometimes, people consume things that are not considered food, from dirt to hair to human flesh. Professor Crittenden introduces you to some of the more outlandish dietary practices around the world, including placentophagy (in which a mother eats the placenta after giving birth) and anthropophagy (also known as cannibalism).

Watch Food, Science, and the Human Body Season 1 Episode 22 Now

Food as Ritual

2017-07-21

Humans don't just eat for nutrition. It's a deeply symbolic activity as well. In this lecture, consider some of the many different categories of food rituals around the world, including fasting for Ramadan, making sugar skulls for the Day of the Dead, bobbing for apples during Halloween, and America's favorite fall feast: Thanksgiving.

Watch Food, Science, and the Human Body Season 1 Episode 21 Now

The Fizz on Soda

2017-07-21

Soda was once an embodiment of the American dream. Now, it's one of the worst contributors to obesity-related diseases.

Watch Food, Science, and the Human Body Season 1 Episode 20 Now

The Roots of Tea

2017-07-21

What is the source of the nearly 1,500 different types of tea in the world? How did tea spread from Japan to Europe?

Watch Food, Science, and the Human Body Season 1 Episode 19 Now

Coffee: Love or Addiction?

2017-07-21

Each year, over 500 billion cups of coffee are served. Reconsider this popular drink and its relationship with world history.

Watch Food, Science, and the Human Body Season 1 Episode 18 Now

Humanity's Love of Wine

2017-07-21

Continue looking at our relationship with fermented beverages, this time with a look into the story of fermenting grapes into wine. Topics include the science behind viticulture and the production of different types of wine, the reasons winemakers are turning away from cork, and "retsina," one of the oldest types of white wine.

Watch Food, Science, and the Human Body Season 1 Episode 17 Now

Beer, Mead, and the Fun of Fermentation

2017-07-21

From ancient Egyptian experiments to the 21st-century microbrewery down the street from your house, explore the intricate links between the fermentation of wheat and honey and human civilization. As you follow our love affair with beer and mead, you'll be surprised to learn just how accidental their discovery was.

Watch Food, Science, and the Human Body Season 1 Episode 16 Now

Water: The Liquid of Life

2017-07-21

Of all the water on Earth, only a fraction of it is drinkable. How much water is used by humans throughout the world?

Watch Food, Science, and the Human Body Season 1 Episode 15 Now

The Science and Secrets of Chocolate

2017-07-21

Today, chocolate is a multi-billion-dollar global industry. In this lecture, Professor Crittenden takes you back in time so you can follow chocolate's trek around the world, considering not only its history and chemical properties, but its role in the current global market in the form of powerful chocolate empires.

Watch Food, Science, and the Human Body Season 1 Episode 14 Now

A Brief History of Bread

2017-07-21

Bread, in all its forms, is one of the most widely consumed foods in the world. It was also the foundation for many civilizations.

Watch Food, Science, and the Human Body Season 1 Episode 13 Now

How Sugar and Salt Shaped World History

2017-07-21

Salt and sugar have also played large roles in food production and global health. Topics in this lecture include how sugar is extracted from sugar cane, the rise of alternative sweeteners and sugar substitutes, early non-dietary uses of salt, and the dangers of a high-sodium diet.

Watch Food, Science, and the Human Body Season 1 Episode 12 Now

The History of the Spice Trade

2017-07-21

They're a common enough item in our pantries today, but in the past, spices were highly valued and tightly guarded, and were the catalyst for creating and destroying empires. Examine the spices that were critically important during the opening decades of the spice routes, including pepper, cloves, ginger, and garlic.

Watch Food, Science, and the Human Body Season 1 Episode 11 Now

How Foods Spread around the World

2017-07-21

Once domestication was in full swing, foods began to be exchanged among different groups, leading to the subject of this lecture: delocalization. In order to better understand the development of this process, in which food consumed in one area is produced far away, you'll consider examples and case studies including bananas, apples, tomatoes, and corn.

Watch Food, Science, and the Human Body Season 1 Episode 10 Now

The Changing Disease-Scape

2017-07-21

Turn now to a darker product of the Neolithic revolution: the growth of zoonotic diseases, or diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, and parasites that spread between animals and humans. Among the ones you'll encounter here are Lyme disease, West Nile virus, malaria, salmonella, and E.

Watch Food, Science, and the Human Body Season 1 Episode 9 Now

The Neolithic Revolution

2017-07-21

Discover what prompted large populations of people to drastically change their subsistence strategy by domesticating plants and animals, Also, learn how this Neolithic revolution permanently altered the human diet, as well as paved the way for massive population growth, the development of nation states, and new vectors for disease.

Watch Food, Science, and the Human Body Season 1 Episode 8 Now

Cooking and the Control of Fire

2017-07-21

Roasting. Boiling. Baking. Grilling. When did our ancestors start cooking with fire, and how? Find out in this lecture that takes you back nearly 1 million years on a journey to find out how we evolved to eat our food cooked, whether using boiling stones or a butane torch.

Watch Food, Science, and the Human Body Season 1 Episode 7 Now

Was the Stone Age Menu Mostly Vegetarian?

2017-07-21

Explore the critical role that plant foods have played in our diet. You'll study plant microfossils that radically change what we thought we knew about the Stone Age menu.

Watch Food, Science, and the Human Body Season 1 Episode 6 Now

Insects: The Other White Meat

2017-07-21

There are more than 1,900 edible insect species on Earth, and 2 billion people regularly consume insects as part of their diet. In this lecture, Professor Crittenden takes you inside the fascinating world of entomophagy (the practice of eating insects) and the ways we turn to insects for nutrition.

Watch Food, Science, and the Human Body Season 1 Episode 5 Now

Did Meat Eating Make Us Human?

2017-07-21

Learn how meat changed the playing field for our earliest ancestors. First, trace the history of meat eating through human evolution.

Watch Food, Science, and the Human Body Season 1 Episode 4 Now

Stones, Bones, and Teeth

2017-07-21

For clues to the history of human nutrition, scientists look to fossils in the form of stones, bones, and teeth. In this lecture, learn what scientists discovered about the ancestral dinner plate through stone artifacts used for butchery, the bones of the human cranium, and the dentition of early humans.

Watch Food, Science, and the Human Body Season 1 Episode 3 Now

Our Hunter-Gatherer Past

2017-07-21

For the bulk of human history, our ancestors were hunters and gatherers. Using fascinating research from a study of one of Africa's last foraging populations, Professor Crittenden reveals insights into how hunter-gatherer societies function, and how they may have shaped the diversity of human nutrition.

Watch Food, Science, and the Human Body Season 1 Episode 2 Now

Paleo Diets and the Ancestral Appetite

2017-07-21

Do we have an ancestral appetite? First, uncover how similar the current Paleo diet fad is to what our actual ancestors ate.

Watch Food, Science, and the Human Body Season 1 Episode 1 Now

Food, Science, and the Human Body explores the fascinating intersection of nutrition, biology, and health in a comprehensive and engaging journey through the inner workings of our bodies. Presented by Dr. Alyssa Crittenden, an acclaimed anthropologist and expert in evolutionary nutrition, this course delves into the intricate relationship between what we eat and how it impacts our physical and mental well-being.

Through a series of thought-provoking lectures, Dr. Crittenden delves into the evolutionary history of human diets, shedding light on the ways our ancestors adapted to various food sources and how those adaptations continue to influence our dietary needs today. By examining the latest scientific research on nutrition and digestion, she offers valuable insights into the role of macro and micronutrients in supporting optimal health and longevity.

One of the key highlights of the course is its emphasis on debunking common myths and misconceptions surrounding food and nutrition. Dr. Crittenden breaks down popular fad diets and trends, revealing the science behind why certain dietary approaches may or may not be beneficial for overall health. By providing evidence-based explanations, she empowers viewers to make informed decisions about their dietary choices and dispels the confusion often associated with conflicting nutrition advice.

In addition to exploring the impact of food on our bodies, Food, Science, and the Human Body also delves into the intricate mechanisms at play within our digestive system. Dr. Crittenden explains the step-by-step process of digestion, from the moment food enters our mouths to its absorption and utilization by different organs in the body. By understanding how our bodies break down and extract nutrients from the foods we consume, viewers gain a deeper appreciation for the complex interplay between diet and bodily functions.

Moreover, the course delves into the role of food in promoting brain health and cognitive function. Dr. Crittenden discusses the connection between nutrition and mental acuity, highlighting the importance of certain nutrients in supporting optimal brain performance. By exploring the impact of different foods on mood, memory, and overall cognitive function, viewers gain a newfound appreciation for the power of diet in shaping not just our physical health, but our mental well-being as well.

Throughout Food, Science, and the Human Body, Dr. Crittenden incorporates real-world examples, case studies, and practical tips to help viewers apply the course material to their own lives. Whether you're looking to optimize your diet for weight management, athletic performance, or overall health and vitality, this course equips you with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed choices that support your unique goals and needs.

In conclusion, Food, Science, and the Human Body offers a captivating exploration of the intricate relationship between food, science, and our bodies. Dr. Crittenden's expertise and engaging teaching style make complex scientific concepts accessible and relatable, allowing viewers to develop a deeper understanding of how nutrition impacts every aspect of our health and well-being. Whether you're a health enthusiast, science buff, or simply curious about the inner workings of the human body, this course is sure to inform, inspire, and enlighten you on the fascinating journey from plate to physiology.

Food, Science, and the Human Body is a series categorized as a . Spanning 1 seasons with a total of 36 episodes, the show debuted on 2017. The series has earned a no reviews from both critics and viewers. The IMDb score stands at undefined.

Genres

Channel

The Great Courses Signature Collection

Cast

Alyssa Crittenden