Traditional nutrition as a mechanism for adaptation to the natural and socio-economic environment

Abstract

The paper deals with the phenomenon of traditional nutrition of Romanians from the Prut-Dniester region as an important mechanism of ethno-ecological adaptation serving as regulation of energy exchange between the human body and the environment. It will also reflect the interdependent relations between nutrition and food products obtained in the households and determined by the natural conditions of living. It should be mentioned that the principal occupations of the population: agriculture, cattle breeding, fishery, beekeeping etc., develop in line with the natural conditions. Therefore, we will elucidate some representative elements for the system of values, ethnic history and culture of our people: specific characteristics of the traditional dietary regime, daily and seasonal food, ritual dishes, technical processes of preparation and consumption, etiquette. The overall evaluation of daily nutritional ration, with the exceptions caused by climatic (drought etc.), economic and social factors, proves that it provides a complete range of essential vitamins and minerals, and the traditional nutritional system is the result of biological, historical and cultural processes fusion. The impact of the ecosystem on food resources and on the formation of metabolism in the local population is also analysed. It identifies some specific features of nutrition of Romanians from the studied area related to the aspect of rational use and processing of food resources, as well as maintaining the balance with the environment.