The Importance of Food
Food is the substance that provides energy for body functions. It contains a variety of nutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats. People need a wide variety of foods to maintain good health. Food also tastes good and helps us feel satisfied after we eat.
Improved methods of farming, food processing and transportation mean that people can enjoy foods produced far from their homes. Olive oil from Spain, cheeses from France and sardines from Norway are now enjoyed around the world. Local traditions and customs often influence what foods are eaten, as well. Roast beef and Yorkshire pudding are traditional English foods. Rice and noodles are staples in many Asian countries.
Some foods are high in fat, sugar and salt, so they should be eaten only occasionally. Eating foods from the five different food groups every day, in the recommended amounts, is important for good health.
A person's diet determines how much energy he or she has. It also influences the quality of that energy, which affects a person's physical and mental well-being. The amount of energy a person needs varies according to his or her activity level.
The word "food" means anything that is edible, including meat, fruits, vegetables, grains, seeds and nuts. It also includes beverages such as water and milk. Foods are usually prepared and eaten with the help of cooking equipment. People may eat in restaurants or at home. Some foods can be stored for long periods of time before being cooked, such as dried or canned goods.
Food is used by the human body for a number of purposes, such as providing energy and building muscles. People can get most of the nutrition they need by eating a balanced diet. This involves eating a lot of different foods from the five different food groups.
People must be careful when modifying their diets to ensure they're getting enough vitamins and minerals. For example, it's important to replace animal fats with vegetable or plant fats. However, it's not a good idea to cut out certain foods completely because doing so can lead to feelings of deprivation and hunger.
When selecting foods, people should choose those that are low in fat, saturated fat and added sugars, as well as sodium (salt). They should also limit takeaway foods, which are expensive, high in fat, salt and added sugar and can leave them feeling hungry a short time after eating.
The human body uses a complex process to turn food into energy and nutrients that the cells of the body need to function properly. This is known as dietary utilization or nutrient use efficiency. A person's dietary utilization is determined by a combination of factors, including good feeding practices, nutrient intake, food preparation and the intra-household distribution of foods.