Food and health. How classical medicine influenced our diet

Originating in Antiquity, dietetics is the branch of medicine that defines the best diet to meet the physiological needs of humans. Though based on distinct doctrines of the body, and with close ties to philosophical-metaphysical concepts that are far removed from contemporary biological and physiological knowledge, the rules, foundations and warnings of Greco-Latin dietetics persisted in Portuguese medical practice almost until the early 19th century.

This lecture proposes a journey through the centuries-long history of dietetics, nutrition and food, highlighting how these have structured the gastronomic and culinary practices of various peoples.