|
Nutrition
Have you even wondered how can Nutrition help you
stay fit? Nutrition plays a great role in your health. Read this
nutrition information to learn the basics of good nutrition facts
and understand the role of different vitamins, nutrients and minerals
in keeping you healthy. Learn below what all constitute good Nutrition.
Fat and Calories
Fat is the body's major energy storage system. When the energy from
the food you eat and drink can't be used by your body, the body
may turn it into fat for later use. Your body uses fat from foods
for energy, to cushion organs and bones, and to make hormones and
regulate blood pressure. Some fat is also necessary to maintain
healthy skin, hair and nails, so you shouldn't cut all fat out of
your diet. Too much fat can lead to heart disease, obesity, diabetes
and many other health problems.
Vitamins
Vitamins are organic compounds that help maintain normal body functions,
such as reproduction, growth and cell repair. Your body can't manufacture
vitamins, so you need to obtain them from other sources. Most of
the vitamins you need come from the food you eat, except for vitamin
D, which your body makes when exposed to sunlight, and K, which
is made by the bacteria in your intestines. In addition to their
presence in natural foods, vitamins can also be manufactured synthetically.
Vitamin supplements may be available in tablet, caplet or liquid
form.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrate-rich foods are the primary source of energy for all
body functions. Your body breaks down carbohydrates, or carbs, into
fuel for use by your cells and muscles - that's why eating a moderate
amount of carbohydrates is necessary for most people. There are
two types of carbs - sugars and starches. Sugars are simple carbohydrates
that can be easily digested by your body and include foods like
cake, soda, candy, jellies and fruits. Starches are complex carbohydrates
that take longer to be digested and include foods such as breads,
grains, pasta, tortillas, noodles, fruits and vegetables.
Protein
Along with carbohydrates and fat, your body needs protein, a nutrient
made up of essential and nonessential amino acids, for good health.
Your body manufactures 13 nonessential amino acids, which aren't
available from food. For the body to process protein properly, the
foods that you eat must contain the nine essential amino acids that
are available only from dietary sources.
Protein helps to maintain and replace the tissues
in your body, and it's found in almost every living cell and fluid.
Your muscles, organs and many of your hormones are made up of protein,
and it is also used in the manufacture of hemoglobin, the red blood
cells that carry oxygen to your body. Protein is also used to manufacture
antibodies that fight infection and disease and is integral to your
body's blood clotting ability. Both children and adults need plenty
of protein to grow and develop.
|
