Food is any material consumed in order to provide nutrition to the organisms for a certain period of time. In simple terms, food is a source of life. The food on the table nourishes us, keeps us warm and keeps us healthy. The diet that we follow determines how strong we will be when we are older. There is no doubt that a well-balanced diet can contribute greatly to our good health, and we can get all the nutrients we need from the foods that we eat. Food is categorized into three main categories: plant food, animal food and fungi food.
Plants mostly provide vitamins, while animals provide proteins and carbohydrates. Fungi on the other hand provide energy, so it’s important to eat them in the right amounts. Food like wheat, rice and potatoes is rich in dietary fiber, which keeps the body healthy and prevents diseases, especially cancer. Deficiency of dietary fiber causes constipation, lower digestive tract functions and increased risk of colon cancer.
Carbohydrates are found in various food groups, and a person can easily choose what food he prefers. Low-glycemic index carbohydrates are those with low temperature sensitivity, which makes them easier to digest and absorb. Complex carbohydrates like oats, peas and bran cereals are also low in carbohydrates; however, they take longer to break down than simple carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates are those with high temperature sensitivity, which make them more easily absorbed and digested.