Bismah Fatima
Food is the essence of life. It’s more than just sustenance; it’s a universal language that brings people together, evokes emotions, and nourishes our bodies. From the simplest ingredients to the most complex dishes, food has the power to transform our lives. “Food is life” – a phrase that resonates deeply with many of us. Recent studies have shed light on the significance of food beyond mere sustenance. Our vision plays a crucial role in creating food trends, and our brains even have a “serial dependence” on food, influencing our judgments.
The importance of food in our lives is also reflected in our eating habits. Toddlers obtain nearly half their calories from ultra-processed foods, highlighting the need for balanced diets. Additionally, research suggests that keeping a longer overnight fast and eating an early breakfast may be associated with a lower body mass index.
The connection between food and life is also deeply rooted in culture. In Pakistan, for example, food is an integral part of family gatherings, traditions, and social bonding. The country’s rich culinary heritage is reflected in its diverse cuisine, from spicy street food to flavorful biryanis.
Food is essential for human survival, and its significance extends beyond sustenance to cultural, social, and emotional aspects of our lives. We get physical nourishment by food that is an energy source. Food provide us nutrients that help us to growth and development. Food repair our body tissues and help in maintenanence. It support our immune system. According to Cicero: “Eat to live, not live to eat”. Ann Wigmore says: “The food we eat can either be safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison”.
Food also have emotional and social significance. It provides comfort and nostalgia, cultural identity and heritage, social bonding and community, emotional expression and creativity, celebrations and traditions. Food evokes memories, comfort and joy. Shearing meals with loved once strengths bonds and fosters community. It realise stress, mood booster, social connection and emotional expression. According to Jacques pepin: “Food is the essence of life”.
Food is also so much important as a cultural and symbolic meanings. We get spiritual and religious significance, symbolism in art and literature of a society, national and ethnic identity as well as family traditions and recipes. Frances Moore Lappe said: “Food is the heart of every culture”.
All the mental health and mood depends on food. If someone have food that not according to his mood our having some side effects, it can effect his all activities. Food is good for physical health and save us from different chronic diseases, By eating good food we can save us from food allergies and intolerance. According to Dr. Andrew weil: “Food is the best medicine”.
Food provide health and well being. It provides physical health like nutrition and energy to body to properly work. Food provide mental well-being, like if you have your favourite recipe in front of you it will provide you with happiness and joy. Food creates the emotions of love and care.
Different types of food includes are, fruits like apples, bananas, berries. Vegetables like carrots, broccoli, lettuce. Proteinous foods are meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans. Many gains provides us energy like bread, rice, pasta, cereals. Dairy includes milk, cheese, yogurt. Healthy fats can be obtained from nuts, seeds, avocados.
Sweets like sugary drinks and desserts are also good source of energy for humans. These food should be consumed in proper quantities. Access of food can cause many mental disorders, stomach diseases, vomiting, diarrhea and many other diseases.
While eating we must have to notice that is the food we eat is halal or haram? Halal food should be eat. In our religion Islam, halal food have so much significance. We must prefer halal food. In Islam halal and haram foods are refers as permissible and forbidden foods respectively.
Halal Food includes, meat like beef, lamb, goat, chicken, fish (with scales), fruits and vegetables, grains, dairy(milk, cheese, yogurt), honey and halal-certified processed foods. Zabiha slaughter ensures minimal stress and cruelty. Halal meat reduces risk of trichinosis, tapeworms, and other parasites. Halal certification prohibits harmful chemicals and preservatives. Halal foods tend to be easier to digest due to stricter slaughter and processing guidelines.
Haram foods are pork and pork by-products, aimals not slaughtered according to Islamic guidelines (Zabiha), carnivorous animals: lions, tigers, bears, birds of prey: eagles, hawks, vultures, animals with fangs or claws, intoxicants (alcohol, narcotics), carrion (dead animals), blood and blood products. Health risks: Haram foods may contain harmful ingredients, additives, or contaminants. Haram foods often lack essential nutrients, leading to malnutrition. These may be contaminated with harmful bacteria or toxins.
Animals should be slaughtered according to Islamic method called as Zabiha. This method includes, animal must be alive at time of slaughter, slaughtered by a Muslim. Cut throat and severed jugular vein of animals like cow. Slaughtering must be start with Allah’s name. Halal certification is most important. The food should be halal certified by recognised halal food authorities. Verification of ingredients and production process should be done. Compliance with Islamic law (Shariah).
In conclusion, “food is life” is more than just a phrase – it’s a reflection of the vital role food plays in our lives, from sustenance and culture to health and well-being. It’s a source of nourishment, connection, and inspiration. As we savor each bite, let’s appreciate the profound impact food has on our lives and the world around us.
Department of Food Science and Technology Government College Women University Faisalabad
