It seems that there are a lot of people out there who believe that food is medicine. That it can cure diseases, ward off sickness, or give one more energy. This is a misunderstanding of the role of food in our bodies. Food is not medicine; it is simply food intended for consumption. And food does play a vital role in our health.
Food is any substance eaten to provide nutrition to an organism for its everyday life. Food is generally of animal, plant or fungi origin, and includes necessary nutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, or iron. The tissues in plants and animals that food is eaten are constantly being broken down to allow the nutrients to be absorbed by the organisms’ cells. A typical day may include eating, drinking, and using tools such as clothing, shelter, tools, etc.
One of the main functions of food is to provide nutrients to an individual. Therefore, it is important to choose the proper foods to eat to keep your body healthy and strong. The quality of nutrition depends on the ingredients used and the number of times the food is processed. The way foods are prepared and served may also have an impact on nutrition.
A diet rich in natural, unprocessed foods can supply your body with the proper amounts of nutrients that it needs to remain strong and healthy. The nutrients provided by natural food provide the building blocks of your immune system. When you consume large amounts of carbohydrates or sugars in your diet, the sugar or carbohydrates are turned into fat. Eating large amounts of potatoes and bread is an example of turning carbohydrates into fat. When your immune system is strong, you will be less prone to disease and illness.
When you eat foods high in fat, your body releases chemicals called inflammatory hormones. This helps to rapidly build up your white blood cells that help your body fight off infection. However, these same chemicals can weaken your immune system. An appropriate diet should balance your blood sugar levels and provide your body with the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients it needs to stay strong and healthy.
The food you eat can also affect the quality and amount of your health. For instance, eating too much fat can make your cholesterol level go up. Eating too much fiber can decrease your ability to process carbohydrate foods. Too many carbohydrates in your diet leads to weight gain. Your health depends on the food you eat.