Human diet

Human diet.

Food is essential to the nutrition of any human being or any form of life. If there is no food there is no life. If the amount or kind of food is inadequate, the growth of the body is stopped, and the capacity to work is lost.

The word" food" is used to designate anything edible, it is a natural product such as wheat, fish or potatoes; partially processed product, such as flour, or cooked food such as porridge or cakes.

Foods are mostly complex substances. They supply the body with energy, build or repair its tissues and bones, and regulate body processes. The chief constituents of food are classified into six groups: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins and water.

Most of food constituents undergo Changes and transformations during digestion in order to be assimilated by the body.

The energy or fuel value of food is measured in terms of calories; the body's requirement for energy chiefly depends upon activity, age and size of human being as well as upon climate and season. The body's need for energy is met through carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Vitamins, though required in small amounts, are essential for maintaining good health. A great part in regulatory body processes is played by water. The functions of minerals in human diet are of no less importance.

Thus, human body has various needs to maintain its development and these needs require a balanced diet including foods of high nutritive value. Nutritionists consider the best sources of all constituents to be meat, fish, dairy products, cereals, fruit and vegetables, nuts and honey. They are called the staples of human diet.