What is Food?

Food is a material consisting of carbohydrates, fats, protein, and other substances (vitamins, minerals, and enzymes) that are taken or absorbed into the body of an organism in order to sustain growth, repair, and to furnish energy for all activity of the organism.

Protein is necessary for growth and development. It acts in the formation of hormones, enzymes, and antibodies. It maintains acid-alkali balance and is a source of heat and energy. Its deficiency is recognized by fatigue, loss of appetite, and edema. Prolonged deficiencies result n diarrhea and vomiting.

Carbohydrate provides energy for body functions and muscular exertions. A low-carbohydrate diet, or the inability to digest and assimilate carbohydrate, results in excessive protein breakdown to maintain blood-sugar levels. This results in loss of energy and fatigue. Prolonged deficiency causes a disturbed balance between water and the electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and chloride).

Fiber is the part of food that is not digested by the human body, such as the skin of an apple or the husk of a wheat kernel. Nevertheless, enzymes contained in raw foods will digest soluble fiber. This lowers cholesterol and fat levels in the blood. The indigestible fiber stimulates and cleans the intestinal tract, which depends on the presence of adequate fiber. A low-fiber diet has been associated with heart disease, cancer of the colon and rectum, diverticulosis, varicose veins, phlebitis, and obesity.

Fat provides energy and acts as a carrier for fat-soluble vitamins A. D. E. and K. It supplies essential fatty acids needed for growth, health, and smooth skin. A low-fat diet, or the inability to digest and assimilate fat, results in eczema and disorders of the skin and hair.

Vitamins are organic food substances found only in living things, that is, plants and animals. Each of these vitamins is present in varying quantities in specific foods, and each is absolutely necessary for proper growth and maintenance of health. With a few exceptions, the body cannot synthesize vitamins; they must be supplied in the diet or in dietary supplements.

Minerals are nutrients that exist in the body and in food in organic and inorganic combination. All tissues and internal fluids of living thing contain varying quantities of minerals. Although only 4% or 5% of the human body weight is mineral matter, minerals are vital to overall mental and physical well-being. All of the minerals known to be needed by the human body must be supplied in the diet.

Enzymes are large protein molecules found in all living things. They are composed of two parts. The protein portion, or apoenzyme, is a long chain containing hundreds of amino acids in specific sequential arrangement. The other part, the prosthetic group or coenzyme, is usually a mineral or a vitamin, or it may contain a vitamin, or it may be a molecule that has been manufactured from a vitamin. Vitamin and mineral supplementation is wasted unless there is an adequate supply of the appropriate enzyme to utilize them.

Enzymes: The Key to Health Howard F. Loomis, Jr., D.C., F.I.A.C.A.