Why We Need Food Nutrition

Food is any material consumed to supply nutrition to an organism for growth, reproduction or maintenance. In most organisms, food is generally of animal, plant or even fungal source, and comprises necessary nutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, or even minerals. It is the chief energy provider for all living things. The food we eat generally provides the calories to support the growth of our body and is therefore a key to keeping the human body healthy. Some of the vital nutrients that are abundantly present in vegetables and fruits are Vitamin B12, folic acid, riboflavin, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, iron, vitamin D, Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E.

Food additives and preservatives, sometimes known as flavourings, bind to the cell wall of vegetables and fruits, preventing absorption of the healthful substances they contain. Most common additives and preservatives are saccharin, sodium benzoate (used to preserve the wine), aspartame, sulphur dioxide, and artificial flavourings. Many of these chemicals have now been found to be harmful to the health of humans. Trans fatty acids in meats, dairy products and some vegetable oils increase cholesterol and are believed to be a major cause of obesity.

The term ‘food’ is used broadly to describe the range of chemical compounds that contain nutrients. Plants and animals all derive their nutritional content from food. Humans derive their nutritional content from a variety of foods including animal and plant products, including grains, roots, tubers, root crops, seeds, berries, mushrooms, nuts, and leaves. When comparing food items at a supermarket, see food labels and pay special attention to those items marked with a * because these indicate a reduced level of nutrients. Some other prominent symbols used in the comparison of food products are: organic, whole foods, natural, hydrogenated, reduced sugar, salt, artificial flavours, colourings, salt substitutes, artificial sweeteners and vitamins.