This feeling contributes somehow to good health. Cultural and Social meanings are attached to food. Sharing ethnic foods puts us in touch somehow, and helps us identify with each other. Cultures attach special meaning to particular foods. Meat gives strength, so its good for men.
Fruits give beauty, and so are important for women.
She doesn't say what is strengthened, or who recognizes it, but such mythology has been with us since the dawn of time. These compounds give flavor and aroma to foods. Many of these are created during cooking. Some of these chemicals add pleasure to our eating. Taste and aroma of foods is wholly determined by the chemicals present.