Food is any material consumed to provide nutrition to an organism, usually in a living situation. The amount of food needed to sustain a human being varies from person to person because the composition of food in the body varies with the type of diet chosen. Usually, food is of animal, plant or fungi origin, and has necessary nutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, or minerals. The five major food groups are carbohydrates, proteins, vegetables, fruits, and fats.
In today’s society, food can be prepared in many different ways. One method is to cook the food, which changes the food into a different substance, usually one that is easier to digest. By changing the food into a different substance, scientists and nutritionists distinguish food types. For example, there are complex carbohydrates and simple carbohydrates, and there are more nutrients in certain foods than in others.
One food additive that has increased in popularity is “bleached” flour. This type of flour lacks the fiber and other properties found in whole grains. Often, the lack of fiber allows the food additive to pass through the digestive system more quickly, providing extra energy to the muscles and providing the body with more nutrients. This type of food additive is generally recognized by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, it should be used with caution as some studies have shown that excessive consumption may lead to liver disease.
Other additives are generally recognized as safe for human consumption. These additives, which are generally recognized as vitamins or minerals, add to the nutritional value of the food. Some examples are sugar, which adds calories without adding nutritional value; salt, which provides needed minerals and electrolytes; and artificial colorings, which generally provide a bright color to enhance the taste of food. Artificial flavors such as strawberry and chocolate are generally recognized as healthy, but natural flavorings such as fruit, spice, or honey are not.
The International Food Information Council recommends a diet that consists of a combination of protein from animal sources, carbohydrates from plant sources, and fats from animal sources. The food additive color additive beet pulp is considered safe. It is generally recognized as a source of protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Animal sources contain most of these vitamins and minerals, while plant sources provide the vitamins, minerals, and acids. The International Food Information Council recommends that you include at least ten servings of fruits and vegetables in your diet daily. You should also take multivitamin tablets once a day.
Although some food additives are beneficial, the majority can be harmful. For example, coloring is often added to food to make the product appear more appealing. In fact, many children eat more of this product than what they should because of its added color. While this food may provide a temporary boost of energy, this gain is quickly lost when the food is digested. Since coloring is made up of fat and other substances, you should avoid foods that have added colorants.