Throughout human history, humans have adapted to their environment to feed themselves. The human species has become a largely omnivorous animal, feeding on both plants and animals. However, humans have not been able to distribute resources evenly throughout the population, resulting in an uneven distribution of nutrients. This imbalance leads to malnutrition.
Food is made up of carbohydrates and proteins, and it is used to regulate the processes of our body. It also supplies essential vitamins, minerals, and energy for our bodies. A healthy diet should include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It should also limit fats and added sugars.
Food safety is a major issue because the food that we eat affects our health and well-being. Food that is contaminated can cause disease and death. Every year, about 600 million people fall ill due to contaminated food. In turn, this results in about 33 million healthy life years. In addition, food that is contaminated can contribute to the development of cancer. Moreover, unsafe food affects children, infants, and the elderly.
Food is a complex substance. It contains carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and other ingredients. Some of these ingredients are added to the food for technical or functional purposes. It is also important to note that the use of certain ingredients may not be approved by the FDA. For example, pesticides and color additives are not included in the FDA definition of food. However, they may be present in trace amounts during the production, storage, or transport of food.
Food can also be categorized into five food groups. These groups include fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, and dairy products. Each food group contains different amounts of key nutrients. Each group has specific targets for consumption, and people don’t have to consume all five food groups every day. However, it is important to eat a wide variety of foods to obtain the necessary nutrients.
Vegetables are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. They are a good source of fiber, which helps lower cholesterol and prevent stomach problems. In addition, they come in a variety of colors. A healthy diet should include a wide variety of vegetables, including green and red ones.
Fish is another excellent source of vitamins and minerals. It contains omega 3 fatty acids, which help decrease inflammation. Fish can be raw, salted, or canned. People can also freeze, can, or dry fish to preserve it for future use.
Dairy products are also an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Dairy alternatives are also good sources of calcium. They contain protein, and they are low in saturated fat. However, many people in developed countries consume diets that are too high in fats, sugars, or salt.
Fish is a good source of protein. Legumes, such as kidney beans, tofu, and black beans, are also sources of protein. In addition, many Asian cultures traditionally consumed soybean milk as a staple food.
Fruits are an important source of vitamins and minerals. They are also a good source of carbohydrates and fiber. In addition, they add flavor to the food. Fruits are available fresh or frozen. Ideally, you should fill half of your plate with fruits.