We need food in the same way that a car needs petrol or fuel. In fact, food contains not only essential fuels but also other nutrients which help to keep our immune system strong and make us fit and healthy. We know clearly the fact that we can not do without food. However, people do not really study the food we have every day. Then, what is food? Why is it greatly essential to human beings?

Generally speaking, food can be any substance that can be eaten or drunk by an animal or human for nutrition or pleasure, usually composed primarily of carbohydrates, fats, water and proteins. As a result, we have a large variety of food to be chosen. Almost all foods are of plant or animal origin, although there are some exceptions. There are around 2,000 plant species which are cultivated for food, and many have several distinct cultivars. Fruits are the ripened ovaries of plants which make up a significant part of the diets of most cultures. Vegetables are a second type of plant commonly eaten as food, which include root vegetables, leaf vegetables, stem vegetables, and inflorescence vegetables. Many herbs and spices are highly-flavorful vegetables. In addition, animals can be used as food either directly, or indirectly by the products they produce.

While some food can be eaten raw, many foods undergo some form of preparation for reasons of safety, palatability, or flavor. We have a vast range of methods, tools and combinations of ingredients to improve the flavor or digestibility of food. Also, there are many types of cooking equipment, such as ovens, frying pan and various types of cook-tops are used as well. In addition, we can also use grills for cooking. Since people of different country have their own unique cooking styles and methods, the world embrace various kinds of cooking cultures which make it possible for us to enjoy the delicious food worldwide.

There are all kinds of food we can choose, however, not all of these are good for our health. Many people choose food according to their favorite flavor or taste. Others choose the foods they eat based on immediate gratification, without much thought about the long-term effects of their selections. In fact, when you choose your foods, be sure to make healthy food choices and consider the nutrient density of the foods. Any time you choose fruits or vegetables you are making a great food choice. Try picking from the rainbow of colors available to maximize variety, because brightly colored fruits and vegetables are big winners in nutrient density. Eat non-starchy vegetables such as spinach, carrots, broccoli or green beans with meals. Other nutrient dense foods include low-fat meat, fish, low-fat dairy and even fortified foods. Choose lean meats like cuts of beef and pork that end in “loin” such as pork loin and sirloin. Have fish in your meals 2-3 times a week and choose liquid oils for cooking instead of solid fats that can be high in saturated and trans fats. Remember that fats are high in calories. If you’re trying to lose weight, watch your portion sizes of added fats.