Food is an important factor in the lives of both humans and animals. It provides energy, is a key component in the growth of organisms, and is essential for the regulation of the vital processes of the body.
The foods that people eat vary widely across the globe. This is because of factors such as geographic differences, cultural traditions, and access to resources.
People rely more on processed foods than on fresh, raw foods. Improved methods of agriculture and better transportation systems have made more types of food available. But, the availability of some foods can be limited.
Some foods can be preserved by canning or freezing. Many people can afford to eat nutritious food, but the diets of many people are too low in fruit and too high in fats, salt, and refined sugars. These deficiencies increase the risk of future physical problems.
In addition, malnutrition is common in developing countries. Poor feeding practices and poor biological utilization of food contribute to this problem.
A variety of foods is the best way to ensure that you get all the nutrients you need. Vegetables, fruits, and meat are good sources of vitamins and minerals.
Meats and poultry are a major source of nutrition for many people around the world. Turkeys, geese, yaks, and water buffalo are some of the animals raised for food.
Fish, like sea-food, can be preserved by canning or freezing. Shellfish are excellent sources of nutrients.
The nutritional value of food is determined by the number of nutrients it contains, the amount of each nutrient, and how much of it is absorbed. Foods that contain a high percentage of saturated fat are not good for health.
