Food is the basic material that animals, plants, and some bacteria need to live. It is made of nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. These substances are necessary for the growth, repair, and maintenance of tissue and body organs, and for the regulation of vital processes.
There are many foods that can be classified as “foods” or “nutrients.” The most common are those that come from plants and animals. Examples include vegetables, fruit, grains, and protein-rich foods such as meat and milk.
Vegetables, fruits, and grains are good sources of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients that help maintain a healthy weight and keep the digestive system working properly. They are also an excellent source of phytochemicals (plant chemicals that have health benefits), and antioxidants.
Grains, a group of foods made from wheat, rice, oats, cornmeal, barley, and other plant fibers, are a good source of protein, carbohydrates, B vitamins, iron, and dietary fiber. They are an essential part of a nutritious diet and should make up about one-quarter of the food eaten by adults.
Animals such as cattle, pigs, and sheep are another main food source for people around the world. They provide protein, calcium, and other nutrients that are necessary for strong bones, muscles, and teeth. These animals are raised by farmers in many countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, Russia, and Europe.
Meat, poultry, and fish are also a major source of protein for the world’s population. Meats are prepared in a variety of ways, including cooked, grilled, broiled, fried, roasted, and canned. The United States, China, and the European Union raise a large number of cows, bulls, and steers. Meats from chickens, turkeys, and guinea fowl are also popular.
Agricultural technology helps improve the quality and quantity of crops grown on farms and ranches around the world. New varieties of seeds and new farming techniques increase crop yields and improve food safety. These advances can lead to lower prices and better food supply.
There are many reasons why some people cannot afford to buy enough healthy food. Despite the availability of nutritious foods in developed nations, malnutrition is still a problem for many people around the world. In poor and developing nations, hunger is a real threat, especially during times of crisis.
For example, droughts and floods can destroy crops and prevent people from eating their usual diets. Other natural disasters can cause famine, when there is not enough food available to meet the needs of a population.
The most obvious reason for this is that most countries do not have adequate resources to grow and distribute the amount of food that people need to survive. In many developing nations, the rate of population growth outpaces food production.
As a result, a growing percentage of the world’s population is hungry or undernourished. Some of this hunger is caused by lack of fertile land, but a majority of it is the result of poverty.