Tag: Food vs fuel

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, approximately one-third of all food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted globally. This massive amount of discarded organic material raises a crucial question: can food be used as fuel to power our homes, vehicles, and industries? The answer is yes, particularly when focusing on food waste rather than edible crops.

According to the US Department of Energy, about 45% of U.S. corn is currently used for ethanol production, highlighting corn's significant role in the biofuel industry. But while corn is a direct energy resource in this context, the answer is more complex, involving intense debates over sustainability and efficiency.

Globally, maize is the second most extensively grown crop after wheat, a testament to its widespread use not just as a food but for industrial applications. Given its versatility, many wonder: is corn a good energy source for our bodies, our vehicles, and our livestock?

According to ResearchGate, the human body (HB) and the internal combustion engine (ICE) are both thermal machines that convert a source of energy into matter and usable power. This concept helps explain how to compare food with fuel for a deeper understanding of human biology and engineering principles.