{"id":37366,"date":"2022-04-07T15:22:00","date_gmt":"2022-04-07T20:22:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/?post_type=nutrition_article&p=37366"},"modified":"2023-06-21T15:57:44","modified_gmt":"2023-06-21T20:57:44","slug":"when-is-an-egg-not-just-an-egg-the-importance-of-global-food-systems","status":"publish","type":"nutrition_article","link":"https:\/\/www.incredibleegg.org\/nutrition\/articles\/when-is-an-egg-not-just-an-egg-the-importance-of-global-food-systems\/","title":{"rendered":"When is an egg not just an egg? The importance of global food systems"},"content":{"rendered":"
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As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, we each have a role to play in ensuring that food is accessible for all \u2013 while also being good for us and the planet. As dietitians and healthcare professionals, we are aware of how the foods we choose to eat not only impact our health, but also the larger food system. That\u2019s why we\u2019re excited to share more about important conversations taking place on the global level. In September 2021, the UN Secretary-General convened the first-ever United Nations Food Systems Summit<\/a><\/strong> (UNFSS) to bring widespread attention to topics such as sustainability, food systems, and global health.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Dietitians play an integral role in promoting sustainability because they are highly skilled in translating complex science to patients and harness interpersonal skills to change patient behavior. Plus, dietitians understand the importance of both healthy diets and promoting a sustainable food system.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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As such, dietitians recommend certain foods to patients to promote good nutrition and other health goals. Eggs and beans have long been regarded as highly nutritious foods \u2013 both are a source of protein and key nutrients. In addition to being nutritious foods to include in the diet, the UNFSS formally recognized eggs and beans as \u201cstar ingredients\u201d as part of World Food Day 2021. The UNFSS video, When Is An Egg Not Just An Egg?<\/em><\/a><\/strong>, <\/em>highlights the key role that eggs play in diets around the world; they\u2019re accessible, nutritious, and full of potential for fueling our bodies. The video The Magic of Beans<\/em><\/a><\/strong> highlighted beans as a versatile, affordable, and nutritious food for people around the world. These videos help promote the importance of food systems conversations and show that eggs and beans are fuel for our future.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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So, what do you mean by food systems<\/em>?<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Food systems<\/em><\/a><\/strong> refer to the collective activities involved in the production, processing, transportation, consumption, and disposal of food. They encompass the physical health of people, as well as healthy environments, economies, and cultures. Registered dietitians play a critical role in food systems, helping patients build nutritious dietary patterns while considering the affordability, accessibility, and cultural context of food choices.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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And, what happened at the UNFSS and why is it important?<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n
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UNFSS was convened as part of the Decade of Action on Nutrition to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals<\/a><\/strong>(SDGs). Promoted as a \u201cpeople\u2019s summit,\u201d<\/em> UNFSS assembled key actors across global food systems, with over 51,000 attendees from 193 countries. It included five Action Tracks<\/strong><\/a> to draw on the expertise of different stakeholders, two of which included nutrition and sustainable consumption:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n

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