Food & Drink
Food is a substance that is eaten and drank by a human or animal for nutrition
and often times for pleasure. In general, food is composed of proteins, fats, water
and carbohydrates. Plants and animals are the primary sources of food. It also
includes alcohol and fungus. Ranching, farming and fishing are the usual methods
employed to obtain food. Hunting and gathering are additional methods to get food.
Specific cooking traditions, practices and preferences usually dictate the way
food is prepared in different parts of the world. Gastronomy is the study of cuisine
traditions. The cooking method, manufacture and preparation is the way cultures are
able to diversify their food.
Human beings are omnivores which means we eat both plants and animals. However, morality
and religion can affect the foods that humans consume.
Drinks and beverages are also consumed by humans. Beverages include the following:
- Water
- Hot beverages, like coffee and tea
- Non-alcohol drinks
- Alcohol drinks
- Soft drinks
- Other
Water is an absolute necessity to sustain life. The human body is comprised of
approximately 70% water by mass. The metabolic process requires water and many of
our body solutes need the solvent water. A solute is a substance that is disolved
in a solvent (eg, water) to form a solution.
