Food is a substance that we consume to sustain life. Usually of animal, plant, or fungal origin, food contains essential nutrients that support human life. It can be any liquid, solid, or a combination of these. In general, food consists of protein, carbohydrates, fats, and water. The body requires a certain number of these nutrients daily. But how do we determine how much food we need? What are the best foods for our bodies?
The first step in determining the right food for your body is understanding the role of protein in our daily lives. The body requires adequate protein to maintain its structure and function. A protein-rich diet can help with building muscle and sustaining muscle mass. This type of protein helps maintain body tissues and promotes growth and keeps us healthy. Here are some good food sources for protein. The benefits of protein foods for your body include:
Modern food processing is an industry that includes many different industries. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. has over 44,000 food processors, 113,000 food warehouses, and 1.2 million retail food facilities. Food manufacturing, in general, focuses on the production of food products from raw materials. In the United States, about half of all food production is done in the food industry. As consumers’ expectations for convenience grow, more refined foods are being manufactured for the home.
In the past, humans obtained most of their food by hunting and gathering. The agricultural revolution changed this. Farmers started to grow crops improved through selective breeding, like maize. The result was a higher number of people being fed. But how did this change our diet? The food we eat today is largely a result of the agricultural revolution. Food is now widely available and more people can feed themselves. The food industry has changed the world. With food, cultures can now survive economically through the food they grow.
The best way to ensure that you get adequate nutrition is by eating a variety of different foods and combining them into a balanced meal. Topic 3 discusses the importance of mixing and matching different types of foods. The Appendix includes nutrient content of common foods. In general, staple foods are low in cost, but they can provide you with some protein, some micronutrients, and some dietary fibre. Legumes are also good sources of protein and dietary fibre.
Despite this complexity, there are ways to address the food system in your community. Food systems are extremely complex and involve many parts of the global economy. In 2005, the European Union was the world’s largest food importer, followed by the US and Japan. The food crisis in Britain during World War II illustrated just how crucial it is for people to have food. Britain was heavily dependent on imports of food for months, even though they fought in the Battle of the Atlantic.
Meat, poultry, and fish are excellent sources of protein and fat. Animal foods contain important amounts of zinc, iron, and other micronutrients. Many B-group vitamins and some other micronutrients are found in meat, poultry, fish, and offal. Liver, in particular, contains high amounts of vitamin A and iron. A balanced diet should include foods rich in these nutrients. And remember, food should never be boring! It should be delicious and filling!