Introduction to Food and Health
What is food?
Food is one of the vital requirements for survival. Any substance which an organism eats for
nutritional sustenance is considered as food. The nutrients are substances found in food. They
are needed for the growth, repair, and maintenance of the human body and also for the
regulation of essential operations . Food is often either animal or plant based provides
essential elements like proteins, lipids, carbs, vitamins, and minerals.
Eating nutritious food boosts good health, but eating incorrectly leads to different kinds of
medical conditions. Anything that is eaten is deemed nutritious when it includes nutrients that
the body requires to operate properly. French fries, potato chips, sweets, frosting, and other
snack items are few examples of these unhealthful foods.
Classification of nutrients
Nutrients are classified into two types
Macronutrients - Required by body in large amounts Ex. carbohydrate, protein, fat
Micronutrients -Required by body in smaller amounts Ex. vitamins and minerals
Functions of Nutrients
Nutrients serve numerous essential roles, including
They provide energy to the body to do work.
They aid in the formation and maintenance of bodily tissues.
They increases fat-soluble vitamin absorption.
They assists in the production of collagen.
They provides the bones, ligaments, and blood vessels their appropriate structure.
They are additionally helpful in maintaining the body's equilibrium.
Importance of food
1. The food provides energy to do various physical activities.
2. It helps in the body growth.
3. It helps to repair and replace damaged parts of the body.
4. It protects the body from infections and diseases.
Functions of food
Food may be classified according to their functions in the body.
Physiological functions of food
i. Energy yielding foods
Foods rich in carbohydrates and fats are called energy yielding foods. They provide
energy to sustain the involuntary processes essential for continuance of life, to carry out
various professional, household and recreational activities and to convert food ingested
into usable nutrients in the body. The energy needed is supplied by the oxidation of foods
consumed. Cereals, roots and tubers, dried fruits, oils, butter and ghee are all good
sources of energy.
ii. Body building foods
Foods rich in protein are called body building foods. Milk, meat, eggs and fish are rich in
proteins of high quality. Pulses and nuts are good sources of protein but the protein is not
of high quality. These foods help to maintain life and promote growth. They also supply
energy.
iii. Protective and Regulatory foods
Foods rich in protein, minerals and vitamins are known as protective and regulatory
foods. They are essential for health and regulate activities such as maintenance of body
temperature, muscle contraction, control of water balance, clotting of blood, removal of
waste products from the body and maintaining heartbeat. Milk, egg, liver, fruits and
vegetables are protective foods.
Social functions of food
Food has always been the central part of our community, social, cultural and religious
life. It has been an expression of love, friendship and happiness at religious, social and
family get-togethers.
Psychological functions of food
In addition to satisfying physical and social needs, foods also satisfy certain emotional
needs of human beings. These include a sense of security, love and acceptance. For
example, preparation of delicious foods for family members is a token of love and
affection.
