Food and Nutrition

To lead an active and healthy life, we all need adequate food and nourishment. Food, which is essential for survival and growth of human beings, can also lead us to many health risks if not chosen properly. let us define what is Food and Nutrition?

Food is made up of any substance, composed of carbohydrates, water, proteins, and fats either eaten or drunk by any animal, including humans to give energy or help build up the body for growth.

Nutrition is the process in which you consume food or nourishing liquids, digest and absorb them and use them for health and growth. Also, Nutrition can be defined as a three-part process i.e. consumption, digestion and circulation of the food. The origin of the word ‘nutrition’ is linked to the Latin words ‘nutritionem and nutrire,’ meaning ‘’a nourishing’’ or ‘’to nourish, suckle.

Proteins supplies amino acids to build and maintain healthy body tissue. Foods from animal sources such as milk or eggs often contain all these essential amino acids while a variety of plant products mus be taken together to provide all these necessary protein components.

Fat supplies energy and transports nutrients. There are two families of fatty acids considered essential for the body: the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Essential fatty acids are required by the body to function normally. They can be obtained from canola oil,flax seed oil, cold- water fish, or fish oil, all of which contain omega-3 fatty acids, and primrose or black currant seed oil,which contains omega-6 fatty acids.

Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy and should be the major part of total daily intake. There are two types of carbohydrates: simple carbohydrates (such as sugar or honey)or complex carbohydrates (such as grains, beans, peas, or potatoes).

Fiber is the material that gives plants texture and support. Although it is primarily made up of carbohydrates, it does not have a lot of calories and I usually not broken down by the body for energy. Dietary fiber is found in plant foods such as fruits, vegetables,legumes, nuts,and whole grains. apples, oatmeal and oat bran, rye flour, and dried beans.

Vitamins are organic substances present in food and required by the body in a small amount for regulation of metabolism and maintenance of normal growth and functioning. The most commonly known vitamins are A, B1 (thiamine),B2 (riboflavin),B3 (niacin),B5 (pantothenic acid),B6 ( pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folic acid), B12 (cobalamin),C (ascorbic acid), D, E, and K. The B and C vitamins are water soluble, excess amounts of which are excreted in the urine. The A, D,E, and K vitamins are fat-soluble and will be stored in the body fat.

Minerals are vital to our existence because they are the building blocks that make up muscles,tissues, and bones. They also are important components of many life-supporting systems, such as hormones, oxygen transport, and enzyme systems. Many vitamins (such as vitamins A, C, and E) and minerals (such as zinc,copper, selenium, or manganese)act as antioxidants.

Water helps to regulate body temperature, transports nutrients to cells,and rids the body of waste materials.

Good nutritional habits and a balanced diet are not developed in one day nor are they destroyed in one balanced meal. Healthful eating means a lifestyle of making choices and decisions , planning and knowing how to make quick and wise choices when you haven't planned. Food supplies the nutrients needed to fuel your body so you can perform your best.