In order to survive, our bodies need a variety of food items each day. Food is any material consumed with the intention of providing an organisms’ nutritional need. Food is generally of animal, plant or fungi origin, and comprises necessary nutrients, including protein, vitamins, carbohydrates, fats, or minerals. In this fast paced world, people need a lot of energy and often rely on junk food, packaged foods, biscuits, cakes and drinks to satisfy their hunger pangs.
Grains, pulses, vegetables, lentils, nuts, seeds, fruits, mushrooms, meats, milk and cheese form the main categories of food. Fishes and marine food are also major sources of food. Food has been one of the fundamental necessities of mankind since time immemorial. Today’s fast paced and highly developed societies are primarily responsible for the excessive amounts of fat, sugar and salt that are consumed on a daily basis.
The best way to ensure a balanced diet is through a well-balanced diet, consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy oils and fats, cereals, legumes and nuts. Drinkable water should be present in your diet. Healthy food habits and proper eating habits are the keys to long-term survival. The diet should be able to provide carbohydrates, protein, essential vitamins and minerals, and the balance of essential fatty acids. The diet should be high in fiber, but low in fat and sugar.
A diet for healthy living needs a combination of fibres, vitamins, minerals and essential carbohydrates. Fibre comes from plants, grains, vegetables and legumes. Some of the most important fibres are lignans, legumes, nuts, legumes, fruits, vegetables and whole grain cereals. A good amount of fibre is found in green leafy vegetables, pulses, whole grain cereals, and beans. The best sources of fiber include beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, apples and pears.
Fats are essential to a well-balanced diet and help in weight loss. The fat-to-omega3 ratio of the food can determine whether or not it is considered a fat, including monounsaturated fats (found in nuts and avocados), polyunsaturated fats, unsaturated fats and trans fats. Some of the best sources of fats include coconut oil, olive oils, sesame oil, canola oil, butter, sunflower oil and fish oils.
Vitamins and minerals are also important to a well-balanced diet. The food has to contain the right amount of nutrients to ensure good health. Some of the common food sources of vitamins and minerals include fruits and vegetables, eggs, milk, poultry, seafood, fortified bread and rice, wheat germ, seeds, nuts, raisins, strawberries, spinach, cheese, meats, and cheese. Fruits and vegetables are rich in fibre and contain all eight of the B-complex vitamins, whereas dairy products such as cheese, yogurts, milk, cream, butter, and ice cream provide only calcium and vitamin D.