First courses are fundamental to a meal for several reasons.
From a nutritional point of view, first courses often include fresh and healthy ingredients, such as vegetables, pulses or whole grains, which provide a good dose of essential nutrients. This is especially important if they are served before main courses, as they help to control appetite and avoid overeating.
Culturally, first courses can also play an important role, as they often reflect the culinary tradition and local ingredients of a specific region. They can be a way to celebrate cultural diversity and to explore new flavours and cooking techniques.
In short, first courses are important in a meal because they set the tone, stimulate appetite, provide essential nutrients and can reflect the culinary culture.