Final answer:
The statement defining food as a substance that allows humans to grow and survive by providing necessary materials is true. Food comprises macronutrients and micronutrients essential for energy, health, and body functions, with water being a crucial part of the diet.
Step-by-step explanation:
Food is indeed any substance (solid or liquid) which, when consumed, allows humans to grow, repair, and survive by providing necessary materials such as energy, structural components, and micronutrients. This statement is true. The nutrients found in food include macronutrients like carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, which are essential for energy and body building. Additionally, micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals play crucial roles in maintaining health. Water, although not a food, is an essential part of the diet and critical for health.
It's important to recognize that food influences overall well-being, and nutrition is the study of how these nutrients affect the body. Malnutrition and under-nutrition are conditions that arise from unbalanced or insufficient nutrient intake. Hence, aside from energy provision, nutrients in food serve to maintain body functions and promote health, making food security a critical component of any thriving population.