OU programme explores the mysterious science of food

Posted on 20 February 2017 • TV and radio

In a three-part BBC series, broadcaster and scientist, Dr Michael Mosley, and celebrated botanist, James Wong, take us on an exploration of the science behind our everyday food.

Produced in partnership with The Open University and broadcast on BBC Two from Friday 24 February 2017, 21:00, The Secrets of Your Food celebrates the biology, chemistry, and physics of our food, from what keeps us healthy to the science that gives us cravings and makes our food taste delicious.

Episode one will explore the basic nutrients our bodies require to survive – the essential carbohydrates, fat, protein, vitamins and minerals – as Michael and James travel to Mexico, the Philippines, and San Francisco. Episode two is all about taste and the chemistry of what we eat, the effect of which can be reduced down to just five tastes: bitter, salty, sour, sweet, and umami. The series concludes with Episode three and the effects of food on the brain. We visit Peru to learn about chocolate cravings, and gain an insight into the feel of taste as Michael tastes Kaymak in Turkey.

Academic consultant on the programme and Professor of Health Sciences, Hilary MacQueen, said:

There have been lots of diet and food programmes, but none have actually explained the science behind what food contains, why we need it, and why we enjoy the experience of eating.

Audiences will learn a huge amount about the varieties of food across the globe, and how every culture develops its own way of accessing all the nutrients we humans need.

The first episode will be broadcast on BBC Two on Friday 24 February 2017, 21:00.

For related courses, interviews with James Wong, or if you want to challenge yourself to recognising food through a microscope, visit our free online learning platform, OpenLearn: www.open.edu/openlearn/tv-radio-events/tv/thesecretsofyourfood

 

Commissioned for The Open University by Dr Caroline Ogilvie

Nominated Academic: Professor of Health Sciences, Hilary MacQueen

Media Fellow: Mark Brandon (STEM)

Broadcast Project Manager: Amie Nimmo

Online Project Producer: Freyja Taylor-Law