The food we eat affects our health. Healthy eating habits can lower your risk of heart disease, certain cancers and type 2 diabetes. It can also help you to maintain a healthy weight and feel more energetic. The best foods provide a range of essential nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. They should also be low in saturated fat, trans fat, added sugar and salt.
Food is a fundamental need for all humans, animals and plants. It is usually sought out as an instinctual response to hunger. In some cultures, the preparation and cooking of food is considered an art form and a social activity.
In the past, most people got the nutrients they needed by growing their own food or gathering wild foods. Today, refrigerated railcars and trucks make it possible to enjoy fresh fruits, vegetables and meats year-round. The foods we eat can be simple, complex or contain ingredients that are seen nowhere in nature. Some of these foods are called functional foods because they have been shown to have specific health benefits.
A diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables is important for good health. Some of these foods are high in fiber, which helps to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure. Other important nutrients are iron, calcium, folic acid, and potassium. Vitamins A, C, E, and K are also found in many foods. Vitamins A and C are found mostly in fruit, while the others can be found in vegetables and fortified breakfast cereals.
Water is an important part of most foods. It contributes to the crisp texture of fruits, the juiciness of vegetables, and the tenderness of meat. Water is also a carrier for flavor, and it helps to keep food moist.
In addition to nutrient content, the taste and aroma of foods are important aspects of their appeal. Some foods are sweet, sour, bitter, or spicy. These flavors can be enhanced by using herbs and spices.
It is important to have a variety of foods available in your home so that you can choose healthy options when dining out or making meals for children. Stock your kitchen with healthy staples such as brown rice, quinoa, whole grain tortillas and pasta, oatmeal, low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs, lean meats, fish, poultry, fresh or canned vegetables, dark leafy greens, tomatoes, berries, nuts and seeds. Avoid foods with a lot of sodium, which can lead to high blood pressure and other health problems.