Food

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Food is what people, plants and animals eat to live. Every organism needs energy to carry on with the process of living which comes from food. Food usually comes from animals and plants. It is eaten by living things to provide energy and nutrition.^[1] Food contains the nutrition that people and animals need to be healthy. The consumption of food is normally enjoyable to humans.

It contains protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, water and minerals.^[2] Liquids used for energy and nutrition are often called "drinks". If someone cannot afford food they go hungry and could die.

Food for humans is mostly made through farming or gardening. It includes animal and vegetable sources. Some people refuse to eat food from animal origin, like meat, eggs, and products with milk in them. Not eating meat is called vegetarianism. Not eating or using any animal products is called veganism.

Food produced by farmers or gardeners can be changed by industrial processes (the food industry). Processed food usually contains several natural ingredients and food additives (such as preservatives, antioxidants, emulsifiers, flavor enhancers). For example, bread is processed food.^[3]

Food processing at home is done in the kitchen, by the cook. The cook sometimes uses a cookbook. Examples of cooking utensils are pressure cookers, pots, and frying pans.

Food can also be prepared and served in restaurants or refectory (in particular for children in school).

The utensils used may be a plate, knife, fork, chopsticks, spoon, bowl, or spork.

Many people do not grow their own food. They have to buy food that was grown by someone else. People buy most of their food in shops or markets. But some people still grow most or all of their own food.

People may buy food and take it home to cook it. They may buy food that is ready to eat from a street vendor or a restaurant.

Other countries have their own way of eating food. An example of an ethnic food is Mexican food.

1. ↑ "Food:Definition". The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica. Archived from the original on 27 July 2017. Retrieved 16 July 2017.
2. ↑ Bowers, Elizabeth Shimer. "5 Essential Nutrients to Maximize Your Health". EverydayHealth.com. Archived from the original on 2019-08-01. Retrieved 2019-08-01.
3. ↑ Benisek, Alexandra. "Processed Foods: What You Should Know". WebMD. Retrieved 2023-09-07.