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.
