FOOD AND ITS FUNCTION

What is food?

The term food refers to anything which nourishes the body. It would obviously include solids, semi-solids and liquids which can be consumed and which help to sustain the body and keep it healthy.

We all know that food is our basic necessity. Have you ever wondered why? Food is essential because it contains substance which performs function in our body. These essential substances contributed by our food are called nutrients. If these nutrients are not present in our food in sufficient amount, the result is ill health.

Functions of food

We are now familiar with the fact that food consist in part of various nutrients. There are over forty essential nutrients which are supplied by the food we eat. These nutrients can be classified into five major categories.

1. Proteins

2. Carbohydrates

3. Fats

4. Vitamins

5. Minerals

Water is important as a nutrients as well as a food.

Physiological Function

The physiological function performed by food are the energy-giving, body-building, protective and regulatory functions.

We needs energy every moment of our lives for performing various types of activities such as sitting, standing, walking, running and performing all our household and other task. 

Several activities take place within the body as well e.g. beating of the heart, contraction of the intestines, expansion and contraction of lungs. Activities performed within the body also require expenditure of energy.

The energy-giving function of food is basically performed by two nutrient categories carbohydrate and fats.

This is why these nutrients are also known as "body fuel".

Food is also needed for growth and repair. 

Physiological functions performed by food is protective and regulatory as well. It prevents infection by ensuring proper functioning of the body system. Regulatory function refers role of food in controlling body process.

Social Function

Food and eating has significant social meaning. Sharing food with any other person implies social acceptance. When you share a meal with anyone else, you are expressing your acceptance of friendship and respect for that person. 

Food is an integral part of festivity anywhere in the world. You must have surely noticed that joyous occasions such as the birth of a child or a marriage are celebrated by having feasts and serving delicacies. Festivals such as Diwali, Holi, Eid, Christmas are celebrated by having special and prescribed menus. In all cases, food serves the function of bringing people together.

Psychological Function

We all have emotional needs such as the need for security, love and attention. Food is one way through which these needs are satisfied.

 When a mother prepares her child's favorite dish, the child, the child recognizes the fact that she loves him enough to remember his likes and dislikes. When people share food it serve as a token of friendship and acceptance.

Food is also closely allied to our emotions. Food often serves as a reward.