Introduction to Food

Introduction to Food

Our food is chemically very complex and consists of very large-sized molecules. These molecules are broken down into simpler forms by our digestive enzymes. The simpler molecules are then absorbed by the intestine, and from there taken into the blood vessels. They circulate in the blood stream and are taken to the different parts of the body. Cells of different parts of the body take in these simpler molecules which should now be called nutrients. Cells take up nutrients according to their requirements. Thus we see that the purpose of taking food (i.e., the function of food) is to supply nutrients to the cells of the body. Cells need 45 chemical substances for their activities involving energy production, growth of the body, repair of tissues, formation of reproductive cells, etc. No single food can provide all these substances. Therefore, we have to eat a variety of food items such as rice, pulses, bread, vegetables, milk, etc.