Food is any nutrient-rich substance consumed by plants or animals for energy and other vital functions. It can be raw or cooked and is the source of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients. Food can be found in the wild or produced domestically and globally by a variety of methods, including cultivation, fishing, farming, ranching, forestry, canning, freezing, drying and pickling.
The human body requires healthy foods to sustain life and prevent chronic diseases. Eating nutritious foods can also help people feel their best. Nutritious foods contain important nutrients such as Omega-3 fatty acids (found in salmon and trout) for brain health, iron for red blood cell production, complex carbohydrates to stabilize the body’s blood sugar levels and influence mood and tryptophan, an amino acid that helps produce serotonin, the mood-regulating neurotransmitter.
Nutritionists recommend eating a mix of foods from all food groups to get the most benefit. For example, eating a balanced diet can lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers. It can also prevent constipation, reduce high blood pressure and manage weight.
Food also fulfills other needs, such as social bonding and cultural identity. It is a central part of many family and community gatherings, as well as celebrations and rituals in different cultures. People can also eat for pleasure, savoring the taste and texture of food.
There are 7.4 billion mouths to feed on this planet, requiring enough nourishment for each person to live a happy and healthy life. Providing that kind of sustenance is a monumental task, but it’s possible with sustainable agriculture, efficient distribution and modern methods of processing, canning, drying and storage.
In addition to nutrient-rich foods, people also need to consider how their diet affects the environment, especially when it comes to water and waste. Using too much water can result in drought, while dumping waste into the environment can pollute rivers and lakes. It is also critical to pay attention to the amounts of salt, sugars and unhealthy fats in one’s diet. Removing processed sugars and lowering sodium intake can improve health, while substituting unhealthy fats with healthy ones may lower the risk of heart disease and other conditions. In addition, taking the time to enjoy meals — rather than rushing through them on the go or eating alone — can boost mental and physical wellbeing. The great American writer M.F.K. Fisher once said that to fully experience a meal, “you must savor it, not shovel it.”