Food is any nutrient-rich material eaten by humans and animals for energy and to sustain life. It is often combined with other substances to make a meal or a beverage.
Eating is one of the most important things people do. It provides fuel for the body and brain, but it can also be a social and cultural experience. Food can evoke memories, provide comfort or excitement, and give pleasure. It is important to choose a diet that includes a variety of foods to get the right balance of nutrients for good health.
Diets vary widely between countries and even within a country. In part this is because of climate and local traditions. People in colder areas may eat more fish, for example, and those with short growing seasons might prefer crops that mature quickly such as potatoes. Immigrants to a new country often bring with them foods from their homeland that are later adopted by the local population. For example, chicken tikka masala is now one of the most popular dishes in the world, although it was first invented by immigrants in Glasgow, Scotland.
The modern world has introduced many new types of foods, including fast and junk foods. Highly processed foods are typically high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats and are low in vitamins and minerals. These foods tend to be inexpensive and convenient, but they can be detrimental to health when consumed regularly.
Nutrition experts recommend that people consume a variety of foods to ensure they receive all the nutrients necessary for good health. A healthy diet should include foods such as whole grains, lean meats and poultry, seafood, eggs, nuts and seeds, legumes (beans and peas), dairy products and fruits. It should also be low in added sugars, sodium and saturated and trans fats.
Food science is a multidisciplinary field that uses biology, chemistry, physics, engineering and mathematics to solve problems related to food production, storage, safety, and consumption. The field of food science emerged from the need for better understanding of how different aspects of food interact, particularly in terms of their effect on human health and well-being.
In addition to being an essential source of energy, food helps to maintain healthy weight and reduce the risk of certain diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer. It is therefore crucial that people eat enough of the right foods to live a long and happy life. When making choices about what to eat, it is helpful to consider all the ways that food is used: for survival, for enjoyment, for social and religious events, and as a way of expressing culture and identity. When selecting a diet, it is also important to take into account personal non-negotiables and lifestyle factors such as cost, convenience, taste and time availability.