Cooking Up Health: Practical Culinary Medicine

Catalog description

This course introduces students to the emerging field of culinary medicine, blending the science of nutrition with the art of cooking to promote health and prevent disease. Students will explore how dietary choices influence physical and mental well-being, examine evidence-based nutritional principles, and apply this knowledge in practical, hands-on cooking experiences. Through lectures, discussions, and kitchen labs, students will gain a deeper understanding of topics such as the Mediterranean diet, plant-based eating, food sustainability, cultural food traditions, and the role of culinary techniques in optimizing nutrient retention and flavor. The course emphasizes the importance of food as medicine, fostering skills that empower students to make informed dietary choices for themselves and future communities. No prior cooking experience is necessary. By the end of the course, students will have a foundational understanding of the connections between food, health, and lifestyle and the confidence to create meals that are both delicious and nourishing.