Synthetic food: are there any nutritious components?
Synthetic Foods are those that have
been produced or manufactured using new methods with the help of advancements
in technology. These types of foods usually contain a high amount of protein.
Synthetic foods are developed from food substances that have been chemically
synthesized. Also known as artificial foods, these foods generally imitate the
appearance, odor and taste of natural foods.
Various Methods and Sources of Synthetic Foods
Artificial food products are based from
traditional and nontraditional animal and plant sources. Examples of these
sources include soybeans, sunflower seeds, sesame, oil cake, green vegetables,
casein and marine sources. Another major source of protein for artificial foods
is the protein produced by microorganisms. For instance, yeasts produce protein
and are able to grow on mediums like sugar, or nonfood mediums like petroleum
hydrocarbons. Because of this ability of yeasts, it has become a promising
source of synthetic foods.
So, based on
this information we can agree that it has nutrious components which is healthy
for us.
Arguments against Synthetic Foods
A lot of consumer groups are active in
their promotion against artificial or synthetic foods. All arguments against
this type of food boils down to one thing, that synthetic food is possibly
harmful to one’s health. The addition of synthetic chemicals like pesticides,
heavy metals, food dyes and artificial preservatives to food could already
affect its composition or nutritional value. Modern techniques that are being
done on food such as genetic engineering, hydrogenation or irradiation could
also lead to the same effect, which could ultimately lead to the development of
a number of diseases.
