Why Do We Eat - Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Facts - About

Food as we know is essential for the growth and maintenance of the human body. However, have you ever considered the question of why does an individual eat food?

The answer to this question is that food performs three different functions.

They are:

• Physiological Function
• Psychological Function
• Social Function

Physiological function

All food goes through a complex process of digestion, absorption, assimilation and excretion. Food provides us with calories, which are metabolized in the body to provide energy. Energy is required for all the functions of the body including heart beat, homeostasis, functioning of the brain and other vital organs the body. This is the physiological function of food.

Psychological Function

Food always gives us a feel of satiety or "satisfaction." A normal well-balanced individual human eats food for both physiological and psychological satisfaction. However, sometimes individuals' mis use food as they consider it a factor influencing their self-esteem and become victims of diet/food related conditions like anorexia or bulimia. Some individuals also go on "bingeing sprees" and lose control over their eating habits.

Social Function

From time immemorial food has been used to bring together people for celebrations as well as sad occasions. Food binds people together and no wedding/funeral is complete without the presence of food. It promotes a feeling of sharing and thus has a social function.

Being healthy and eating well is an amalgamation of all these essential functions of food.