Food is any material eaten to provide nutrition to an organism for future growth. Food is generally of animal, plant or microbial origin, and includes necessary nutrients, including protein, vitamins, carbohydrates, lipids, or minerals. The primary components of food are fat, protein, carbohydrate, vitamins, minerals and water.
The major components of the food supply are protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and water. Animal sources, which include meat, milk, eggs, fish and other marine animals, contain the greatest amounts of protein and fat, while plant foods, which include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, seeds, nuts, and beans, provide the largest amounts of carbohydrates and vitamins. Meat, dairy products and processed foods are the richest in nutrients. Plants, although rich in nutrients, are usually low in protein and fat content, which are why vegetables and fruits are a popular diet choice. Fruits, like many other types of foods, are a great source of both carbohydrates and vitamins.
Nutrition is an important part of our lives. People need a variety of nutrients to stay healthy. However, some nutrients are easier to absorb than others. Fats, for example, are easier to convert into energy, but they take longer to be metabolized, which means that you may not be getting the full amount of vitamins and minerals you need every day. It is also important to note that fat is needed for the creation of some essential chemicals and hormones, so eating too much can be problematic.