Nutrition is the biological and physical process through which an organism utilizes food to sustain its existence. It involves absorption, digestion, assimilation, metabolism, metabolism and secretion. Nutrition is one of the most important factors for a person’s health and well-being. It plays a vital role in development of the different systems of the body and is also essential in ensuring the body’s immune system functions well.
The major functions of nutrition include building blocks of the body. These include vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins, fat and fiber. It also helps to maintain a healthy nervous system, healthy bones and muscular tissues, and a healthy reproductive system. It contributes to proper growth and development of organs and cells and aids in the maintenance of overall health.
The lack of adequate nutrition can have grave consequences. Most people tend to eat foods that do not provide the required dietary elements. This is a cause for various diseases including obesity, tooth decay, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, infertility, poor growth and development, hyperactivity, poor memory, common chronic diseases, skin diseases, blindness, and many more. A lack of adequate plant nutrition also contributes in the development of such ailments.
Plants have the ability to provide carbohydrates, proteins and other nutrients in appropriate quantities. Carbohydrates are the main source of energy and are used for daily activities such as locomotion, walking, and running. Proteins are the building blocks of muscles and are needed for everyday activities such as muscle building and weight lifting. Carbohydrates are converted into glucose by the body. In case the body does not get the required amount of carbohydrates or protein, it could experience dehydration and other disorders that lead to disorders related to the brain and the central nervous system.
There are four major components that form part of the human nutrition: carbohydrates, protein, fat and minerals. Carbohydrates are divided into three groups namely simple, complex and unprocessed. The complex carbohydrate can be further subdivided into cereal products, fruits, vegetables and legumes and seeds. Unprocessed carbohydrates include potatoes, rice and other grains that provide an important dietary fiber. Minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, sodium, potassium and phosphorus constitute the essential nutrient needed by the body.
Carbohydrates are broken down into main categories as follows: complex carbohydrates, simple carbohydrates and fats. The main purpose of each of these is to provide energy to the body. For instance, milk provides the body with lactose, which is a simple carbohydrate. Simple carbohydrates consist of corn flakes, white bread, cereals and pastas and fruits and vegetables. Fatty acids consist of soybean oil, coconut oil, palm oil, butter and other fats, which provide the body with the necessary energy.
The best way of getting all the nutrients that you need is by consuming foods that are high in vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. Examples of these foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans and seeds. By consuming these foods, the body can easily obtain all the vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals it needs. A good example of such a food is a pear. Pear is loaded with vitamin C, potassium, iron, calcium, vitamins B, E and riboflavin, which are considered to be major nutrients for nutrition.
It is also important to consume foods that contain low glycemic index, which is a measure of the rise in blood sugar level after consumption of a carbohydrate. High glycemic index foods include refined carbohydrate foods and those that are processed. The key is to choose foods that are rich in nutrients, so your intake of calories will not be affected. The other best way of achieving healthy nutrition is to make sure you eat enough servings of fruits, vegetables and whole grains each day. If you follow the above mentioned tips, you will surely achieve healthy and effective nutrition, at least as far as your body needs it.