Food is any material consumed to supply nutrition to an organisms. Food is generally of animal, plant or bacterial origin, and usually contains necessary nutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, or iron, which may be required by the body for normal function. The type of food that an individual eats determines his/her general health and is a very important factor in determining energy, growth and development.
If the food that we eat is nutritionally insufficient, we become malnourished and our physical activities decrease, because we do not get enough food to maintain our activity level and keep us alive. If this situation continues, a variety of complications may arise, including chronic sickness and disease, weak immune system, mental disorders and premature death. It is essential to eat enough food to meet the daily energy requirements and to prevent chronic diseases, because a life without enough food is a life in poor health, and the only way to ensure a longer life is through consuming adequate food and nutritious supplements that contain the necessary nutrients that help to keep us healthy.
There are different groups of nutrients and their functions. The B2 vitamins are responsible for many of the body’s functions, including growth and development, repair of tissue, maintenance of tissues, and regulation of body processes such as temperature, blood pressure, cholesterol and muscle strength. Fatty acids include omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil and flaxseed oil. Vitamins A, D, E, B-complex vitamins and minerals are all important for maintaining a healthy nervous system, proper weight, good eyesight, strong bones and a healthy cardiovascular system. Nutrients can also help to reduce the risk of certain diseases, including cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, and to maintain or improve normal blood sugar levels.
