How Much Food Is Really Enough?
The human body requires food to live. Food is any material consumed to supply the necessary nutrients to an organism for growth, health and maintenance. Food generally consists of animal, plant or fungi origin, and has necessary nutrients, including protein, vitamins, carbohydrates, and minerals.
The food consumed by people throughout the world differ in their nutritional needs and consequently their requirements for a healthy lifestyle. Some people have a very high need for carbohydrates while others require a higher percentage of fat in their diet. There is evidence that some types of food can increase the risk of certain diseases. It has been found that there is an increased risk of colon cancer, type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, gallbladder disease, and heart disease in women. The best dietary fibres include food derived from cereal grains, cereals, nuts, green leafy vegetables, fruits, seeds, legumes, pulses and nuts.
Good nutrition is essential for good health, but it is not possible to eat all the required foods. Fruits and vegetables are a major part of a healthy diet, but it is also important to ensure you take a daily dose of your recommended minerals and vitamins. Vitamins such as A, D, E, C and K contribute to good nutrition, as do certain types of food, such as oily fish, eggs, milk, poultry, beef and pulses. It is also important to make sure you consume a sufficient amount of whole grain bread, cereals, brown rice, potatoes and fresh fruit and vegetables every day. For those with an insufficient diet, it may be necessary to add supplements to compensate for the deficiency in particular nutrients. Good nutrition should not be taken for granted, but can be improved with the right amount of knowledge and choices.