Nutrition Defines Health
by Mangi Sano
http://www.kvitamins.com
Malnutrition is a problem that makes us vulnerable to
diseases and premature deaths. Proper nutrition is
important because it affects us in so many ways. It
provides energy for us to grown, develop, work, play and
resist infections. Our nutrition and health affects our
social lives and is our fundamental right as humans.
Poverty is the number one cause of malnutrition in
developing countries. But in developed countries, stress
from work has led to many people neglecting the basic
requirements for health. So what is nutrition? Nutrition
is the process of getting the right kinds of food into your
body for proper growth and development. Not obtaining the
right balance of nutritional foods can affect every aspect
of your life. We need to correct our eating habits and
start living a healthier lifestyle.
A balance diet with a mixture of nutrients is essential for
our bodies. Nutrients are the substance found in foods
that provide nourishment for the body. Proper nutrition
gives our body the necessary energy to carry out our daily
activities without taxing our bodies mentally or
physically. A balanced diet enables us to have a shapely
body with the appropriate amount of body fat and muscle.
Nutritional disorders occur when we don't ingest the
correct amount of nutrients.
Nutrients are divided into two groups: macronutrients and
micronutrients. The first groups include proteins, fats,
some minerals, water and carbohydrates and they are needed
on a daily basis and in large quantities. Micronutrients are
also required daily but in small quantities. They consist of
vitamins and some minerals that allow the body to use
macronutrients. There are some guidelines for a healthy diet
but it is important to know that nutritional requirements
depend on many factors such as age, weight, sex, height and
physical activities.
Choosing foods that contain a low percentage of saturated
fat is recommended for eating healthy. Foods low in
saturated fats help the body decrease the cholesterol level.
A gradual decrease in saturated fats is recommended. Also,
incorporating fruits and vegetables into your diet helps
build up the fiber level.
Remove most breads, cereal, rice and pasta and replace them
with fruits and vegetables. You should add cheese, milk,
yogurt, meat, poultry, beans, eggs and nuts in small
quantities. Fats, oils and sweets should be kept to a
minimum. If you follow a healthy balanced diet, you can
live a more productive and healthy life.
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