Food is any substance consumed by living organisms to provide nutritional support, energy, and essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals necessary for growth, maintenance of life, and health

. It usually originates from plants, animals, or fungi and is ingested and assimilated by the organism's cells to sustain vital processes

. From a nutritional science perspective, food must yield energy, contain nutrients, and perform functions that keep organisms alive or healthy

. Food can be raw, processed, or formulated and is typically eaten orally by animals and humans for nourishment and sometimes for pleasure

. Legally and in food safety contexts, food is defined as any edible substance intended or offered for human consumption, including plants, animals, prepared foods, and ingredients used in food preparation

. Food can be classified into groups such as vegetables and fruits, cereals and bread, dairy, and meat, among others

. In summary, food is the material consumed by organisms to obtain energy and nutrients required for survival and growth, encompassing a wide variety of substances from natural to processed forms