Reference no: EM133542481

Assignment:

What to do:

Our food is full of stuff that we're sometimes told is bad for us. Pick one ingredient or component of food that is the subject of some controversy - if applicable, pick something that you have been told to avoid! Possible examples: gluten, trans fats, palm oil, white flour, cholesterol, stevia, high fructose corn syrup, aspartame, MSG, sodium - or you can pick something else!

You'll be doing research into your selected product. Make sure that you are using reliable sources that are derived from peer-reviewed literature. Make sure also that you are writing in your own voice - explain the information yourself to the class, do not simply copy the information from a web source and change a few words.

In your response, answer the following questions:

1. What is it, chemically? I.e., what type of molecule is it?

2. Why is it in our food? (Is it a part of something or is it specifically added, and why is it there? Preservative, flavor, texture, something else?)

3. Why the fuss - what makes this ingredient controversial?

and finally, reflect:

4. Why did you select this ingredient, and has your opinion changed on its use as a result of your research? Alternatively, has your belief about the ingredient been strengthened? Will you be avoiding this product in the future and/or be in favor of banning its use?