In simple terms, food is any substance that sustains life, provides energy, or stimulates growth in an organism. Its sources vary, but the main purpose is to provide an organism with the necessary nutrients. Different species of animals eat different types of food to meet their unique metabolisms and fill their niche in the ecosystem. Listed below are some of the most common foods eaten by people around the world. The following are important nutrients found in common foods.
Ingredients
A list of ingredients in a packaged food reveals what goes into it. Foods are listed in order of weight, with heavier ingredients at the top of the list. Similarly, bran cereal contains wheat bran, whole wheat, sugar, salt, and fructose, with less ingredients at the end of the list. This list is helpful, but not comprehensive, as there are many other types of ingredients. Some of these are synthetic, while others are derived from plants.
Nutritional value
In terms of nutrition, food is classified as having either a high or low value. The nutritional value is determined by the chemical composition of a food. It may also be determined by its energy producing or alimentary value. Foods with a high value are healthier than those with low values. It is important to note that food has a wide range of nutritional values. Here are some of the factors to consider:
Sources of nutrients
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has asked the Scientific Panel on Nutrient Sources added to Food to provide guidance for the evaluation of nutrient sources. The guidance describes the types of scientific data needed for a source to be rated as safe and suitable for inclusion in food. These sources include food supplements, and food for specific groups of the population. It also describes the safety and bioavailability issues that need to be addressed before an nutrient can be added to food.
Impact of climate change on food supply
While the rise in temperature is already having an impact on human populations, the consequences of climate change could be even worse. Rising temperatures are likely to lead to less food production, especially in countries at risk for food shortages. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the world’s foremost climate science adviser, predicts that food production could be reduced by up to 50% by the end of the century. If these projections are to be believed, food shortages could occur within the next 20 years.