Food is any substance consumed to provide nutritional support for an organism. It is usually of plant or animal origin, and contains essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. Animal-based foods include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, and dairy products; vegetable-based foods include legumes (such as beans), fruits, and vegetables. Food may be eaten raw, cooked, or preserved.
Eating is an important part of human life, and for most people, it is a daily ritual as well as a source of energy. It can also be a social activity and a way to bond with others. However, overeating and unhealthy eating can cause health problems such as obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Food can be found everywhere in the world, and many cultures have distinctive cuisines based on locally available foodstuffs. Agriculture, fishing, hunting, and wild gathering are the most common ways that humans obtain their food. These activities have led to the development of different styles of cooking, and the use of ingredients like spices, herbs, and edible flowers to flavor foods.
In addition, the development of food preservation techniques has allowed people to eat foods that are not in season or available year-round. These include canning, freezing, drying, salting, smoking and pickling. The popularity of these foods has spread throughout the world, and many countries have developed distinct culinary traditions.
While there are many factors that influence the selection and consumption of food, some of the most influential are taste, texture, appearance, and aroma. The taste of food depends on the presence of various chemicals, such as amino acids, lipids, and carbohydrates, which are combined to form flavors and aromas. Texture can be determined by the size, density, and shape of a food. Appearance can be affected by color, texture, and the ability to absorb light. Aroma can be perceived by the sense of smell, and is often influenced by the cooking process.
Healthy eating patterns involve controlling calorie and nutrient intake and enjoying a variety of foods. For example, eating a balanced diet of protein-rich foods, starchy foods, fruits, and vegetables can help reduce the risk of high cholesterol, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. When possible, it is best to eat smaller portions when dining out. A serving of meat or fish should be about the size of a deck of cards, while a serving of pasta or rice should be about half a cup. Visual cues can help when determining portion sizes, especially when dining alone.