Food Is Information Not Just Fuel
Statement
Nutrients regulate gene expression, hormone signaling, and
cellular function beyond their caloric value
Why it matters
Explains why food quality matters independent of
quantity --- 2000 calories of whole foods != 2000 calories of processed
foods for health outcomes
Why Foundational
Foundational because nutrient signalling beyond caloric value is among the most thoroughly characterised areas of biochemistry — gene expression regulated by amino-acid availability (mTOR), hormone signalling shifted by glycaemic load, gut microbiome composition shaped by fibre type, inflammatory tone modulated by omega ratios. 2000 calories of whole foods doesn't equal 2000 calories of processed foods for health outcomes — same energy balance, different downstream signalling. Explains why food quality matters independent of quantity.