Neurogastronomy

How the Brain Creates Flavor and Why It Matters

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Biological Sciences, Evolution
Cover of the book Neurogastronomy by Gordon Shepherd, Columbia University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Gordon Shepherd ISBN: 9780231530316
Publisher: Columbia University Press Publication: December 2, 2011
Imprint: Columbia University Press Language: English
Author: Gordon Shepherd
ISBN: 9780231530316
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Publication: December 2, 2011
Imprint: Columbia University Press
Language: English

Leading neuroscientist Gordon M. Shepherd embarks on a paradigm-shifting trip through the "human brain flavor system," laying the foundations for a new scientific field: neurogastronomy. Challenging the belief that the sense of smell diminished during human evolution, Shepherd argues that this sense, which constitutes the main component of flavor, is far more powerful and essential than previously believed.

Shepherd begins Neurogastronomy with the mechanics of smell, particularly the way it stimulates the nose from the back of the mouth. As we eat, the brain conceptualizes smells as spatial patterns, and from these and the other senses it constructs the perception of flavor. Shepherd then considers the impact of the flavor system on contemporary social, behavioral, and medical issues. He analyzes flavor's engagement with the brain regions that control emotion, food preferences, and cravings, and he even devotes a section to food's role in drug addiction and, building on Marcel Proust's iconic tale of the madeleine, its ability to evoke deep memories.

Shepherd connects his research to trends in nutrition, dieting, and obesity, especially the challenges that many face in eating healthily. He concludes with human perceptions of smell and flavor and their relationship to the neural basis of consciousness. Everyone from casual diners and ardent foodies to wine critics, chefs, scholars, and researchers will delight in Shepherd's fascinating, scientific-gastronomic adventures.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Leading neuroscientist Gordon M. Shepherd embarks on a paradigm-shifting trip through the "human brain flavor system," laying the foundations for a new scientific field: neurogastronomy. Challenging the belief that the sense of smell diminished during human evolution, Shepherd argues that this sense, which constitutes the main component of flavor, is far more powerful and essential than previously believed.

Shepherd begins Neurogastronomy with the mechanics of smell, particularly the way it stimulates the nose from the back of the mouth. As we eat, the brain conceptualizes smells as spatial patterns, and from these and the other senses it constructs the perception of flavor. Shepherd then considers the impact of the flavor system on contemporary social, behavioral, and medical issues. He analyzes flavor's engagement with the brain regions that control emotion, food preferences, and cravings, and he even devotes a section to food's role in drug addiction and, building on Marcel Proust's iconic tale of the madeleine, its ability to evoke deep memories.

Shepherd connects his research to trends in nutrition, dieting, and obesity, especially the challenges that many face in eating healthily. He concludes with human perceptions of smell and flavor and their relationship to the neural basis of consciousness. Everyone from casual diners and ardent foodies to wine critics, chefs, scholars, and researchers will delight in Shepherd's fascinating, scientific-gastronomic adventures.

More books from Columbia University Press

Cover of the book Joseph Conrad and the Fiction of Autobiography by Gordon Shepherd
Cover of the book Animating the Unconscious by Gordon Shepherd
Cover of the book What Is a Nation? and Other Political Writings by Gordon Shepherd
Cover of the book Hearst Over Hollywood by Gordon Shepherd
Cover of the book Introduction to Metaphysics by Gordon Shepherd
Cover of the book Pandora’s Risk by Gordon Shepherd
Cover of the book Families of Virtue by Gordon Shepherd
Cover of the book Thinking Clearly by Gordon Shepherd
Cover of the book China's Uncertain Future by Gordon Shepherd
Cover of the book A Convergence of Civilizations by Gordon Shepherd
Cover of the book Sustainability Management by Gordon Shepherd
Cover of the book From Head Shops to Whole Foods by Gordon Shepherd
Cover of the book Inside Al Qaeda by Gordon Shepherd
Cover of the book Cinema in the Digital Age by Gordon Shepherd
Cover of the book Advocating for Children in Foster and Kinship Care by Gordon Shepherd
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy