Food is any substance, usually composed primarily of carbohydrates, fats, water and/or proteins, that can be eaten or drunk by an animal for nutrition or pleasure. Items considered food may be sourced from plants, animals or other categories such as fungus or fermented products like alcohol. Although many human cultures sought food items through hunting and gathering, today most cultures use farming, ranching, and fishing, with hunting, foraging and other methods of a local nature included but playing a minor role.Most traditions have a recognizable cuisine, a specific set of cooking traditions, preferences, and practices, the study of which is known as gastronomy. Many cultures have diversified their foods by means of preparation, cooking methods and manufacturing. This also includes a complex food trade which helps the cultures to economically survive by-way-of food, not just by consumption.Many cultures study the dietary analysis of food habits. While humans are omnivores, religion and social constructs such as morality often affect which foods they will consume. Food safety is also a concern with foodborne illness claiming many lives each year. In many languages, food is often used metaphorically or figuratively, as in "food for thought".

When the typical French diet and lifestyle often includes high-fat foods as well as cigarettes? Their studies showed that, surprisingly, it was the French habit of drinking a glass or two of red wine each day that protected them from developing these chronic diseases.

For years Britney Spears has been snapped hitting tanning salons, drinking coffee and chowing down at fast food chains, and “Extra” has what could be a shocking forecast for Britney’s future. “Extra” used the world-famous Aprilage software from April Development, Inc. to age Britney 25 years...

The Center For Science In The Public Interest and the International Association of Consumer Food Organizations have joined together to start the "Global Dump Soda" campaign. Concerned that developing countries will start drinking as much soda as we fatties here in the States they're asking governments around the world to require...

Researchers have developed a laboratory test to measure the oxygen radical absorption capacity of different foods and natural substances. Known as the ORAC scale, it is the most sensitive and reliable methods for measuring antioxidant capacity developed to date.

Diet foods and drinks meant to help children control their weight may actually spur overeating and obesity. Researchers speculate that children who eat low-calorie versions of foods that normally have a high calorie content may develop distorted connections between taste and calorie content, resulting in overeating as the children grow up.