Think Through Nutrition - Exploring Farming, Food Nutrition and Brain Health

Think Through Nutrition - Exploring Farming, Food Nutrition and Brain Health

About the Event

The food we consume influences the health of our gut and our brains, and has a direct impact on how we think, feel and behave. The way we manage our land and grow our food has an impact on nutritional value, taste, our dietary choices and access to green space.

This unique knowledge exchange event delivered by Think Through Nutrition (www.thinkthroughnutrition.org) and FarmED explores the profound links between the farmed environment, the soil beneath our feet, the food system, food quality and nutrition, gut health, brain health and human behaviour.

The Audience

This one-day event is ideal for practitioners, policy makers, researchers and leaders in the public and social sectors particularly those with food choice influence in schools, prisons, medical settings and government. It is also suitable for those with a general interest in food, nutrition, and human health.

Overview

Over the last century, there’s been an increase in food choice and food availability but we are also generally consuming fewer essential nutrients. This is due to a number of factors including the way we grow our food, the state of our soils, the feed we give to livestock and our methods of food marketing.  Significantly, we cook at home less frequently and eat more processed foods.

The effects of this are visible in how people generally feel and in the rise of mental health and behavioural issues. The impact in schools, prisons and health care settings are pronounced.  There is clear evidence that we need to eat far less ‘junk’ and more foods rich in micronutrients and essential fatty acids to better care for our brains.  It can be challenging for us to access the right nutrition without focused effort and time. Choosing healthy foods and farming systems is complex, and there are actual and perceived cost implications.

By understanding the brain, we can be empowered to think through nutrition and make better food choices. By understanding our soil, our food production systems and the role of our natural assets, we can make move to a more regenerative future, improving people’s health, well-being and life chances.

In this event we shall explore the links, disseminate the latest research, and raise awareness.  In addition to the formal sessions, we will facilitate peer to peer learning and discussion. We will also hear from a number of guest speakers and health practitioners. 

Suzy Dymond-White

Former Governor, HMP Eastwood Park

Heather McKenzie

Programme Participant and Nutrition Champion, HMP Eastwood Park

John Stein

Emeritus Professor - Oxford University

Chair - Science Advisory Council, Think Through Nutrition

Each participant will be encouraged to develop an individual /organisational action plan. We will explore the farm and eat good food.

Learning Outcomes

During this event we will:

1. Summarise the key farming, food and human health trends and challenges.
2. Analyse the links between soil, taste, food nutrition, gut health, brain health and human behaviour.
3. Identify the ways we can produce more nutritious food in a regenerative farming system.
4. Highlight opportunities for improving access to good and affordable food.