Physical Health & Food - Week 10 Summary

These flashcards cover key concepts related to physical health, food, and culture as discussed in the lecture.

Culture-gene coevolution

Reciprocal influence between cultural practices and genetic evolution.

Lactase persistence

The ability of some adults to digest lactose beyond infancy due to genetic mutation influenced by dairy farming.

High-altitude adaptation

Evolutionary changes in populations living above 4,000m that improve blood-oxygen levels and lung capacity.

Acquired adaptation

Changes in an individual resulting from experience rather than genetic inheritance, such as the underwater visual acuity of Moken children.

Cultural differences in sleep

Variations in sleep patterns and perceptions influenced by cultural norms and practices.

Socioeconomic Status (SES)

A measure that affects health outcomes, with lower SES linked to poorer health across societies.

Chronic stress

Ongoing stress that weakens the immune system and increases health risks.

Cultural metaphors in medicine

Cultural beliefs influencing health practices, such as viewing disease as imbalance or invasion.

The French Paradox

The observation that French people have lower cardiovascular disease rates despite high-fat diets, attributed to lifestyle factors like portion sizes.

Eating Motivations Scale (TEMS)

A tool to categorize reasons for eating, including pleasure, hunger, health, social interaction, tradition, and convenience.

Traditional eating

Eating practices that emphasize home-prepared and locally sourced foods, linked to community and identity.

Modern eating

Eating practices characterized by fast, processed, and globalized foods, often linked to efficiency and individual convenience.

Coca-Colonization

The spread of globalized food practices leading to the dominance of fast and processed food.