Facts About Nutrition – The Connection Between Nutrition And Health

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Facts about nutrition are important for healthy living. Nutrition is the physiological and biochemical process by which an organism uses food as its basic food source to support its daily life. It consists of absorption, assimilation, production, digestion, absorption and disposal. The main functions of all the mentioned processes are to maintain the body’s nutritional status. It also helps in preventing diseases and maintains the organs and tissues in good health.

Basic Sources Of Nutrition

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Facts about nutrition inform us that the basic sources of nutrition are carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and other macronutrients. These nutrients are present in various foods and may be obtained from plant, animal, or human origin. Types of carbohydrates are simple and complex, derived from fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and cereals; whereas proteins are either fat or acid in character, including milk, eggs, poultry, fish, and lean meat. Fats, on the other hand, come from animal products, like dairy products, cooking oil, palm nuts, sunflower oil, sugar, and salt. Nutrient intake needs are different for various age groups and depends largely on the type of dietary habit, physical activity, and lifestyle.

Facts about nutrition show that the major source of nutrients and dietary fiber is fruits and vegetables. They are considered the richest source of dietary fiber. In addition, they are low in calories, which makes them a preferred choice for most people. In addition, fruits and vegetables are a rich source of antioxidants, which help protect the body from damaging elements. They are also easy to digest, so most people prefer fruits and vegetable intake. In recent years, there has been an increase in consumption of fruits and vegetables, possibly because of the awareness regarding health and fitness.

Adequate Amounts Of Nutrients

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A variety of sources is known for getting adequate amounts of nutrients, so facts about nutrition can be easily understood. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and nuts are all important sources of nutrients for good health. Fruits and vegetables consist of 80% of the calories you intake, so a healthy diet should be made up of a variety of fruits and vegetables. The key takeaways are to eat frequently, at least six meals a day, and make sure your nutrition is getting enough vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Whole Grains 

Whole grains are made up of starches, which are converted into energy, such as in the case of pasta. Pasta is one of the popular food groups that has carbohydrates, fat, and protein, making it a typical food group that is recommended to eat daily. But intake of too much pasta, for instance more than three meals a day, can be detrimental to nutrition. This is because pasta has high levels of both carbohydrates and fat. Other foods rich in carbs include breads and cereals, potatoes, rice, and pasta, while foods rich in fat include meats, poultry, fish, and dairy products.

Bottom Line 

A diet rich in sodium is also unhealthy. The average adult uses up to five pounds of sodium a year through food choices such as snacks, salty foods, and the like. Excess sodium can lead to high blood pressure, kidney stones, and arthritis. The best way to keep blood pressure low and avoid kidney stones is to limit the amount of sodium you consume, and eat more fruits and vegetables that are low in sodium.

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