Description
Abstract: Food is the most fundamental necessity for the sustenance of human life. Eating can be defined as the consumption of food and liquid to sustain life and to meet our body's basic needs for growth, development, and function. Every cell in the body depends on a continuous supply of calories and nutrients. All of us have turned to food at one time or another for comfort, to help us cope with stressful experiences, to control our emotions, and to satisfy desires. Food choices, while being influenced by taste and nutritional value, are also typically influenced by past experiences, many of which are social in nature. The stand that food can be health promoting beyond its traditional nutritional value is gaining momentum amongst scientists, health professionals as well as consumers. Eating is something people often take for granted until faced with a situation in which they are unable to eat. Increased awareness among the general public regarding health with a search for safer and natural alternatives and growing scientific evidence regarding beneficial effects of diet in limiting the propagation of diseases have strengthened the interest in diet and nutraceuticals.
