Food is any material consumed in order to provide nutrition to an organisms. Generally, food is of animal, plant or fungus origin, and consists of necessary nutrients, including proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, or other minerals. Since animals, plants and fungi all differ from each other, it is not possible to classify food types into these three categories, but certain similarities exist. All animals and some plants can be fed protein, minerals, and vitamins.
Plants only contain carbohydrates, while animals provide protein and fat. Fungi do not store nutrients like carbohydrates, fat, protein, vitamins or minerals; rather, they provide them as waste products. The way in which food is digested and absorbed determines its nutritional value. Therefore, one must decide what type of food best meets their nutritional needs. This process occurs during the digestive process.
Animal foods, such as meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, and lean meat are rich in calories. They are also high in fat, protein, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients are used by the body, but only partially. Some of these nutrients, although not used by the body, are converted into fat and contribute to the accumulation of fatty tissues, which result in the accumulation of fat around the stomach and in other areas of the body. Vegetables and legumes, on the other hand, contain mostly water and fiber, which are easily absorbed by the body.
Fatty foods accumulate around the stomach as a result of the excessive intake of dietary fat, either through overeating or the consumption of certain foods that contain a lot of fat, such as junk food. The accumulation of fat in the stomach results in the formation of acid, which causes ulcers. Overweight people have greater risks of developing ulcers. Because of this, it is recommended that overweight persons eat more fruits and vegetables, as well as lean meat. To control their ulcers, overweight persons should also eat enough vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin B12. Vitamin A, in particular, helps prevent the formation of hypertension.
Some food additives have been linked to ulcerative colitis. These food additives include artificial flavoring, aspartame, and sodium benzoate, which is a chemical preservative. Although these food additives are commonly used in foods, most of them are harmless. However, they can alter the chemical structure of food, and thereby change its nutritional value.
Junk food is basically unbalanced diet and an improper food intake, leading to malnutrition, deficiencies in food energy, and premature death. Junk food, although usually bought from street stalls, also comes from factory packaging plants. In recent years, more junk food is being prepared and marketed as pre-packaged food. Pre-packaged food has already reached the market and it is gaining popularity because it is more convenient and cheaper than the fresh food that one eats. Most of these pre-packaged food are rich in chemical additives and food preservatives, which is harmful to our health, especially to our young living things such as kids.