Food is a substance usually eaten by living things to sustain growth and repair of tissues. It is made up of nutrients, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and fibre. A good diet consists of a variety of foods.
Various cultures around the world have different food traditions. Some people eat a large variety of foods, while others eat a single type of food all the time.
Some animals are raised specifically for food. Beef is typically produced from cattle, while poultry is raised for eggs and meat. Fish and poultry are also good sources of vitamins and minerals.
People in developing countries often suffer from malnutrition. In the developed world, most people can afford nutritious foods. However, many diets are high in fats and sugars, and low in fruits and vegetables.
The food system is important for a number of reasons. It impacts population growth, economics, political issues, and biological diversity.
Many international agencies monitor the safety of food. Improved methods of agriculture and transportation have increased the availability of different types of food.
Meats and fish contain a lot of fat and calories. They can be salted or preserved by freezing or canning. Other foods that have a high content of fat include eggs.
Fats have a different amount of energy per calorie than carbohydrates. This increases the risk of overeating. Therefore, the addition of fats should be limited.
Carbohydrates provide the body’s primary source of energy. Starchy foods should make up at least a third of a diet.