Dr. Antonio Escribano Zafra delivered an inspiring lecture at the launch of the new Chair of Nutrition, Health and the Agri-Food Sector of the Asaja Foundation. The presentation, attended by professionals from the agri-food sector, nutritionists, and health enthusiasts, highlighted the crucial link between food and human well-being. Dr. Escribano Zafra compared the human body to a company that requires oxygen, water, and food to maintain its functionality and quality of life. “Our body is like a complex company that needs countless processes to function correctly, all happening in a second,” he explained. He summarized these processes in a “physiological circuit,” which he often incorporates in his talks, emphasising the significance of a balanced diet for the optimal development of these processes.
During his address, Dr. Escribano described food as a “transatlantic chain of molecules” that contribute to various functions in the body, from providing energy to regulating the brain and immune system. He elaborated that organs like the liver and pituitary gland serve as the work centers for these molecules and that any dysfunction in these processes can lead to long-term complications. The expert presented a historical perspective on the evolution of human nutrition from the Paleolithic era to the present, highlighting the pivotal role of the agri-food sector, especially during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. He also highlighted the lack of respect and appreciation society often exhibits towards this sector, influenced by trends and misinformation. “It is essential to connect food to health and acknowledge the work of farmers and ranchers in our daily lives,” he stressed. He also pointed out society’s frequent unawareness of the connection between diet and health. He emphasized the need to rectify numerous practices related to agriculture and livestock farming and the importance of educating and communicating regarding these issues to the public.
He further emphasized that readily available wholesome food from supermarkets is essential for the immune system and disease prevention, including cancer, as a significant portion of cancer cases stem from poor dietary practices.
The presentation underscored the importance of critically evaluating information pertaining to food and health. Dr. Escribano Zafra highlighted the need for public education and awareness regarding these issues. He also reiterated the significance of food as a source of energy and vital molecules for the body’s functioning and how an inadequate diet can have long-term ramifications.
Finally, Dr. Escribano presented the Asaja Foundation Chair as a crucial initiative to educate and communicate regarding the relevance of food and health. “The Chair aims to reinstate the importance of the agri-food sector and foster greater understanding of its impact on our health,” he concluded.
Dr. Antonio Escribano Zafra Emphasizes the Critical Link Between Food and Health at Asaja Foundation Chair Presentation
Dr. Antonio Escribano Zafra, a renowned expert in nutrition, delivered a captivating lecture during the unveiling of the new Chair of Nutrition, Health and the Agri-Food Sector at the Asaja Foundation. The event, which drew professionals from the agri-food industry, nutritionists, and health advocates, underscored the fundamental connection between food and human well-being. Dr. Escribano Zafra employed an insightful analogy, comparing the human body to a complex company requiring oxygen, water, and nourishment for optimal operation and quality of life.
Understanding the Body as a “Company”
“Our bodies are like intricate companies that rely on countless processes to function properly, all occurring in the blink of an eye,” Dr. Escribano Zafra explained. He presented these processes as a “physiological circuit,” emphasizing the critical role of a balanced diet in enabling these functions to thrive. To illustrate the intricate interplay of these processes, Dr. Escribano highlighted the importance of the liver and pituitary gland as vital “work centers” for the body’s essential molecules. He stressed that disruptions in these processes can have long-term negative consequences for health and well-being.
A Historical Perspective On Nutrition
Delving into the evolution of human nutrition, Dr. Escribano Zafra traced a historical journey from the Paleolithic period to the present day. He underscored the pivotal role played by the agri-food sector, particularly its crucial contributions during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. However, he also expressed concern regarding the lack of respect and recognition often afforded to this vital sector, attributing this to fleeting trends and misinformation. “It is imperative that we connect food to health and acknowledge the tireless work of farmers and ranchers in our daily lives,” Dr. Escribano Zafra emphasized.
Food: A Fundamental Building Block for Health
Dr. Escribano Zafra went on to highlight the often overlooked connection between our dietary choices and our health. He stressed the urgent need to address the misconceptions surrounding agricultural and livestock farming practices and to promote effective communication and education regarding these critical issues. He also underscored the vital role of readily available nutritious food in bolstering our immune systems and preventing diseases like cancer, emphasizing that a significant percentage of cancer cases are linked to poor nutrition.
The Asaja Foundation Chair: A Beacon of Knowledge
Dr. Escribano Zafra presented the establishment of the Asaja Foundation Chair as a crucial initiative in disseminating knowledge regarding the critical link between food and health. “The Chair aims to reclaim the rightful place of the agri-food sector and foster a deeper understanding of its profound impact on our health,” he concluded. This new initiative has the potential to bridge the gap between food production, nutrition, and overall well-being, empowering people to make informed choices regarding their diets and fostering a more informed and appreciative relationship with the food industry.
