Food is any material eaten to provide nutrition to an organism. In its simplest form food is generally of animal, plant or fungi origin, and comprises various nutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, or mineral ions. Plants contain chlorophyll, while animals contain proteins, carbohydrates or fat. Fungi typically consume plant foods as a part of their diet, whereas animals prey on animal foods as a vital part of their diet. The main difference between a vegetable and a food is that plants are alive, while animals are dead, while in food processing a living organism may be combined with an inanimate object to create food for consumption.

Since our bodies need food to survive, the best food is one that provides all the nutrients we need plus some extra for our health and immune system. To meet this requirement a wide range of foods from a wide variety of sources are available. These foods are rich in carbohydrates, with a focus on breads, cereals, pasta and pulses – all of which are generally regarded as being the staple diet of humanity. However, these foods, while rich in carbohydrates, are low in protein and can therefore not keep the body healthy if they are not complemented by other healthy foods. A good example of this is that although breads are a very good source of carbohydrates, they are also deficient in protein, which is needed for building and repairing the body.

Another example of food that is beneficial to humans but less so in animals is fats. Fats, as everyone knows, are an important part of a balanced diet, particularly for people on the go. Fats provide the body with energy to perform normal day-to-day tasks, but they also add to the load of dietary fat that is needed by the body for building and repairing itself. If you eat a lot of fatty foods, especially saturated fats, the build up of plaque on artery walls can become very severe, especially in adults. Fortunately, there are many good alternatives to saturated fats if you want a healthier diet.