We eat food to survive, to grow and thrive. But food also has a moral obligation to the human community, to individuals and to society. It is important that food contribute to the well-being of those who eat it, and that food be eaten in reasonable quantities, and in its purest form. It is also important that food be taken in reasonable quantities, with deliberate decisions being made as to how much food is enough to satisfy the needs of individuals and groups, and how much more food is needed to ensure that everyone has enough food to cope comfortably. There are many differing opinions about what proportion of the diet should be composed of food that is good for us, in proportion to what we produce and consume.
Food is any material taken from plants, animals or fungi to provide nutrition to an organisms. The human body requires a varied and complex mixture of healthy foods to keep it healthy and strong; foods that are rich in nutrients and minerals and that help to maintain a healthy immune system. Food is the fuel that allows us to live; foods contribute to health by promoting good health, providing energy and vitality, replacing body salts and providing the nutrients essential to tissue repair and maintenance.
Real food may also contribute to our long-term health by contributing nutrients to the bones and cells. Real food may be plant-based, like wholefoods such as fruits and vegetables, legumes and grains, or animal-based, including dairy products, eggs, meats and fish. Animal food is high in fat, salt and sugar, and it is important to choose these foods with caution. Real foods are low in fat, and high in nutrients and antioxidants, which are important for a healthy immune system and a strong body. Because of the huge role that animal food plays in our health, it is important to reduce animal protein and replace it with plant protein – especially lean red meat. In addition, it is important to include some type of supplementation (like vitamin D, calcium and iron) if you are unable to eat natural foods to get all the nutrients you need.