Nutrition is the biological and chemical process by which an organisms uses up food to support its normal existence. It comprises of absorption, assimilation, secretion, biosynthesis, decomposition and excretion among other processes. There are 7 Eukanuba nutrition facts that we should be aware of. These will help us know how our body uses up food and what are its sources.
The first fact is about human nutrition which is the major characteristic of human nutrition. The human nutrition is based on the diet that people eat. Food is categorized into two types: animal nutrition and plant nutrition. Animal nutrition is mainly animal products such as meat, milk and eggs and plant nutrition is the food material that humans need in large amounts. In addition to these, there are also some minerals and nutrients that are contained in animal and plant foods that are not available in plant foods.
B vitamins and minerals are the fundamentals of human nutrition. This nutrition consists of B-complex vitamins, calcium, iron, folic acid, riboflavin, thiamine, folate, potassium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, zinc and niacin. Vitamin B helps in the absorption of fats, protein, carbohydrates, and fat-soluble vitamins. Deficiency of vitamins can lead to serious health complications.
One example of a nutrient lacking in plant nutrition is folic acid. It is important for pregnant women because folic acid helps in the development of the baby’s nervous system and prevents defects such as cleft lip palate, brain defects and brain tumor. Another nutrient that is deficient in plant nutrition is biotin which is an essential vitamin for good health. It also helps in reducing cancer risks, preventing blood clots and is beneficial for the hair, nails and scalp. Zinc is another mineral that is important for good health and deficiency of which leads to poor hair, nail and skin appearance.
Amino acids are vital nutrients. They are found in proteins, carbohydrates, and some fruits and vegetables. The most common amino acid is cysteine, which is found in meat, poultry, fish and cheese. Others are methionine, arginine, cystine and lysine. All these nutrients are used for many important functions in the body; some are essential for life and others are needed for the development of tissues and organs.
Nutritional needs vary according to age and sex. A balanced diet provides all the nutrients necessary to maintain health and improve well-being. This nutrition makes up for lack of proper nutrition through advances in medical science. Medical research has proved that nutrients deficiencies or malabsorption are major causes of diseases like heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, asthma and various cancers. Thus, healthy food choices lead to good health.
Malabsorption refers to poor absorption of nutrients in the intestine. It may be due to damage caused by food additives and preservatives or to excessive growth of bacteria within the small intestine. Other factors that lead to malnutrition include chronic illnesses, extreme weight gain, and stress. To overcome malabsorption, choose healthy varieties of grains, beans, and fruits. Eliminate fatty foods from your diet because they increase cholesterol levels and induce weight gain.
Carbohydrate nourishment improves metabolism and helps in maintaining a regular blood sugar level. However, too much carbohydrate nourishment reduces the efficiency of the liver. Too much carbohydrate intake also leads to fatigue, which in turn weakens the muscles. Too little carbohydrate intake results in hypoglycemia, a condition that deprives you of energy.
Natural sources of carbohydrates are found in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grain products. These natural foods building blocks of nutrition contain all the essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and fiber necessary for good health. You should eat a variety of these foods building blocks. They are available in the market in different forms like breads, cereals, crackers, cookies, and snack foods.
Proteins are the most important aspect of nutrition. They are essential for life but too much protein can make you fat. Lean meats, chicken, fish, eggs, and some vegetables are good sources of proteins. Eggs are rich in protein and have low fat content, while lean meats are rich in complex carbohydrates and have low fat content.
When you are purchasing food, check the nutrition label of each dish. Nutrition plays an important role in choosing healthy foods. If you consume less fat and more nutritious foods, you will have fewer problems related to weight gain and obesity. However, if you choose unhealthy foods, your health condition may deteriorate quickly.
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