Society's Changing Needs in Nutritional Value
How does lifestyle affect the way we eat? Lifestyle and environment in urban societies have changed markedly over the past decades, placing new demands on diet and metabolism. Research in nutritional science influences not only new products, but also existing products.
This evolution in lifestyle with less physical activity and more labour-saving devices has seen an increase in diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular problems. Since good health depends on a balance between physical activity and food intake, the nature and quantity of food consumed has had to change.
The most fundamental consumer expectations for food are that it is safe and provides adequate nutritional value. The other concern is more product-specific, and involves aspects such as flavour, texture, convenience or added health and wellness value.
Nutrition research in Nestlé today addresses both concerns. Examples include the needs of babies and young infants for specific proteins and fats that give the right balance of amino acids and essential fatty acids for growth and development, or the need for foods that build strong bones to offset problems of osteoporosis in later life.
There is also a conscious desire for products that may improve personal appearance and self-image by offering a better skin quality or body shape.
Research reveals which components in food have a positive effect on certain health conditions and which have a negative effect. Nestlé foods can then be designed accordingly.