Food is any substance absorbed into the body to provide nutrition for an individual organism. Food is generally of animal, plant or fungi origin, and usually contains necessary nutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, or other minerals. The human body requires a variety of food items to live in a healthy way. Some foods are considered good dietary proteins while others are not, and some are nutrient dense foods while others are very low in these important food categories.

Carbohydrates, or “carbon-dioxide fuels,” are the most important food groups for the body. The body uses carbohydrates to power the muscles of the body; carbohydrates can also be used to give energy to the brain. People who consume a high level of carbohydrates are less likely to become obese because they have more energy than someone who does not consume high levels of carbohydrates. However, consuming too many carbohydrates can contribute to a variety of health problems.

One type of food that provides many benefits to the body and is good for a healthy diet is a dietary fiber. When carbohydrates are metabolized by the liver, there is no conversion of those carbohydrates into fat. However, when carbohydrates are not metabolized properly, some people suffer from insulin resistance, a condition that contributes to the development of heart disease and other health problems.

A proper balance of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamins is an essential part of a balanced diet. Although fruits and vegetables are always part of a balanced diet, there are times when fruits and vegetables may not provide enough of the recommended daily allowances of certain vitamins in order for a person to maintain a healthy balance of those vitamins. This can potentially lead to vitamin deficiency, a condition that can result in health complications if left untreated.

A balanced diet is also important for maintaining proper nutrition. By eating a balance of different types of foods, the body is better able to absorb the nutrients it needs and helps to prevent health problems that can arise from nutrient deficiencies. Many foods that are good for nutrition can be found at grocery stores and food markets and are also easy to prepare and cook.

Meats, dairy products and fats are considered good for nutrition. Meats provide most of the protein people need and can be mixed with eggs, cheese or yogurt to make a delicious meal. Dairy products are an excellent food source of calcium, protein and other important nutrients. Fats are a good source of fat and are necessary to keep the body functioning properly.