Main Function of Food

Anything that provides the body with nutrition is referred to as "food." It would undoubtedly contain consumable solids, semi-solids, and liquids that support and maintain bodily functions. Nepal has all the food items required to meet the needs of infants, kids, and adults. Three primary factors make these foods necessary:

• To protect from illness & to keep all parts of the body functioning properly.
• To promote growth & to keep the body in good repair.
• To provide energy for all activities & to maintain proper body temperature.

Provision of energy:

The role that food plays in the body is crucial, just as vehicles need fuel to move and humans require energy from food. Foods that provide energy for a person's everyday activities and help them maintain a healthy body temperature are necessary. To produce energy, food must first be consumed, digested, and absorbed. Basal metabolic rate is the term used to describe an awake person's energy needs while at rest (BMR). Typically, one single meal takes up the majority of the diet and is referred to as the staple food, such as cereals high in carbohydrates, tubers, and starchy roots. Niacin, riboflavin, and thiamine play key roles in releasing the energy from carbohydrates. Other sources of energy include foods that are high in protein or fat.

Individual energy needs depend on factors like age, body size, body temperature, growth, and emotional state.

• Age: Children require more energy than adult.
• Body size: Fatty person requires more than thin person.
• Body temperature: Higher temperature required more energy.
• Emotional status: Higher emotional state requires more energy for balanced body functions.

When caloric intake from meals totally satisfies an individual's energy needs, they maintain their current level of activity without gaining or losing weight.

Foods high in carbohydrates and fat, like cereals, sweets, fats, and oils, are the main sources of energy.

• 1 gm protein - 4 kcal energy,
• 1 gm fat = 9 kcal,
• 1 gm carbohydrate = 4 kcal.

Body building & repair:

Cells must divide frequently in order for youngsters to grow, and food can help in this process. Protein is mostly required to replace old, dying cells, such as during wound healing. Proteins and minerals are the nutrients that encourage growth and keep the body in excellent condition. Milk, eggs, salmon, lentils, beans, and nuts are nutrients that help build muscle. The body's growth and development will be delayed by improper consumption of this meal.

Maintenance function & regulation of tissue:

Different essential organs can be found in our body. Vitamin and mineral-rich foods offer immunity from disease and maintain the health of every organ in the body. The majority of vitamins and minerals can be found in abundance in dark green leafy vegetables. Food is required to regulate and maintain these organs. It covers the control of the following processes, such as blood coagulation, heartbeat regulation, body temperature regulation, muscular contraction, and water balance control.

The majority of fresh vegetables, such as leaves, roots, fruit, stalks, and blossoms, are high in water, have very little fat, and have few calories. Fruits also enrich a diet with essential vitamins, minerals, flavor, and variety. (These foods all primarily contain soluble fiber.) Animal products, such as meat and fish, can also be important sources. It is wise to keep in mind that seasonal changes can affect nutrient content and consumption habits, such as carotene. A sufficient amount of food is required for maintaining and regulating tissue function.