Food myths of the past and food "myths" of the present

From livelihood assurance to health concerns

Abstract

This article presents a series of food myths. Some are from the past, characteristic of pre-industrial societies. These are wonderful or fantastic stories, according to the meanings of classical mythology. Others are from the present, in which the word "myth" is used to indicate an error or falsehood that must be corrected or disproved. This article aims to explain the reasons for these differences in content and uses between food myths of the past and present. Those from the past, of which only a few examples are offered, usually refer to solutions to problems associated with food scarcity or supply. Current myths, abundant and diverse, usually refer to foods attributed with "nutritional" characteristics that are beneficial or harmful to health. Since the 1960s, the availability of all types of food has increased considerably. Today's food problems are not so much caused by scarcity or hunger, but rather by diseases caused by excess or misuse of food. Science, put at the service of health and the body, would have contributed both to banishing the gods and cultural heroes of classical myths and to the need to combat the false claims currently circulating regarding food.