I know this is known already

But I need to introduce and place a reminder on what food really is

Yesterday, a friend joked about how he defines food based on how it’s been consumed by so many students. He said ‘food is any substance that has taste and occupies space.’

I know you are laughing now😂

That was how I laughed yesterday too

But then, do you know that you can take in many things into your body, but unless your body can derive nutrients from it, it is not food?

Hence, food is not any edible substance that has good taste and satisfies hunger by occupying space.

Rather, food is any edible substance that supplies the body with nutrition when digested.

That is, it consists essentially of protein, carbohydrate, fat, and other nutrients used in the body to sustain growth and supply energy.

Plants and animals are the main sources of food.

Food obtained from animals are the main source of protein and the different food product obtained from animals are fish, milk, egg, chicken, pork, beef.

Whereas, food obtained from plants are good source of fibres (they are necessary for digestion), protein and carbohydrates and the different food product obtained includes fruits, vegetables, cereals and other crops which are highly rich in proteins, fibres and carbohydrates.

Other examples of food and their nutrients

Carbohydrate: cereals like rice, wheat, maize. Stem products like potatoes, yam, etc.

Proteins: Legumes like beans, peas and dairy products like cheese, yogurt.

Fats: Nut and fruits like avocados

Fruits and vegetables are common sources for fibres, vitamins and minerals.

Remember, Food contains nutrition that can be used by our bodies. Macronutrients (Carbohydrates, fats and protein) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) have to be present in order for a substance to be considered food.

Can there be food without nutrition? Yes.

See this 👆 in my next post.

What has been your definition of food?

Joy Anih