Eating

Eating is the process of taking food into the body so that it can be digested and used. Food provides nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, water, and dietary fiber. When we chew, the teeth break food into smaller pieces and saliva begins to moisten it and help digest some carbohydrates.

The tongue moves the food around the mouth and helps form it into a soft mass that can be swallowed. After swallowing, food passes through the esophagus into the stomach, where it is mixed with digestive juices. Digestion continues in the small intestine, where many nutrients are absorbed into the body.

Eating is also a learned daily activity. Children gradually develop skills such as using utensils, chewing different textures, and recognizing hunger and fullness. Eating a varied diet helps provide the body with the different nutrients it needs for growth, activity, and normal body functions.

Good eating habits also include taking enough time to chew, drinking water, and handling food safely. Washing hands before meals, keeping foods at appropriate temperatures, and storing perishable foods correctly can reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Hunger, appetite, habits, culture, and the appearance or smell of food can all influence when and how much a person eats.