Food is a vital part of every person’s life. It provides energy and the nutrients needed for good health. People need a balanced diet that includes foods from all the major food groups. Eating a variety of foods can help reduce the risk of diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Foods can be prepared in many ways, such as frying, baking, boiling, roasting, or blending. Some foods are preserved by freezing, canning, or drying. People cook food to make it taste better, easier to digest, or more attractive.
In the past, most people lived as hunter-gatherers. They found food by searching for edible plants and killing animals for meat. Archeological studies show that early human diets were about 35 percent meat and 65 percent plant food.
Today, improved methods of farming, processing, preserving, and transportation allow people to enjoy foods produced far from their homes. Refrigerated railcars, trucks, cargo planes, and supermarket shelves carry fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, fish, dairy products, and a host of other foods that would have been unavailable to most people a century ago. Local traditions and customs also influence what and how people eat. English tradition encourages a roast dinner with Yorkshire pudding and gravy, while Asian tradition often serves rice with nearly every meal.
Besides providing energy, proteins are an important part of the human diet. The meats most eaten include beef, pork, lamb, and poultry. People also eat plenty of fish and shellfish, which are rich sources of vitamins and minerals. People prepare fish in a wide range of ways, including cooking, canning, and drying.
Carbohydrates are a major source of energy for most living things. People get carbohydrates from cereal grains such as wheat, oats, barley, rice, and corn (maize), as well as beans, peas, and lentils. Fruits are also a good source of carbohydrates.
Fats provide double the amount of energy as carbohydrates, and they also insulate and protect body tissues. People get fats from animal products such as butter and lard, as well as from vegetable oils.
It is recommended that people eat at least 5 portions of different types of fruit and vegetables each day. A portion is 1 medium-sized piece of fruit or a cup of cooked vegetables. It is also recommended that people choose lower-fat milks and avoid foods containing trans fats.
Eating a varied diet is one of the best ways to stay healthy. People who eat at least five servings of different foods each day are more likely to live longer and have less chance of developing some diseases, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and certain cancers. It is also recommended to avoid eating too much salt, sugar, and saturated and trans fats. Eating a balanced diet is especially important for children and adolescents because they are still growing and need more nutrients than adults do.