Food is any material consumed to give nutrition to an organism. Food is consumed by people for the satisfaction of their bodies’ needs, whether they are intended as meals, snacks, or snacks to satisfy energy requirements during physical activity, or to satisfy thirst. The nutritional value of food is given in terms of the nutrients contained in the food. Usually, food is of animal, plant or fungi origin, and has necessary nutrients, including protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, or even minerals. In some cases, human beings also consume food that is of fungi origin but not necessarily because of the intake of such food by the person himself.
You can see food in many different forms. Food consists of tissues, cells, blood, hormones, vitamins, enzymes, hormones, and many other components. Food is consumed in three distinct phases according to the way it is consumed. First, the food is digested and then it is absorbed and stored by the body’s cells. When there is no use of the food, it is excreted from the body along with the waste products.
The second phase of food consumption is digestion. Food enters the intestines either by way of the mouth or the nose. After being filtered and broken down into small particles, the nutrients found in the food are released to the blood stream. The blood carries nutrition that nourishes the body and other tissues. In particular, the nutrients found in food like protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes are carried to all parts of the body through blood.
The third phase of food consumption is absorption. The food is broken down and the micronutrients carried to different parts of the body are absorbed. Some examples of micronutrients are fatty acids, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fibre.
A good diet is a combination of food energy sources like protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. It is important to include these nutrients in the right proportions as they are easily assimilated and used by the body. A proper balance of the nutrients is necessary for good health. This is the basis of a sound nutrition.
Vegetable oils, grains, legumes, seeds, nuts, beans, and fruits should all be included as natural food sources of nutrients. Oils from nuts, grains, vegetables, legumes, meats, mushrooms, and whole grains are rich in protein and have micronutrients. These foods provide all the essential amino acids and are required for building strong muscles and nerves.