NUTRITION AND HEALTH

NUTRITION AND HEALTH

NUTRITION IS THE RELATIONSHIOP OF FOOD TO THE WELL BEING OF THE HUMAN BODY.

{Macronutrients Micronutrients}

Introduction

Nutrition

 Food is essential because it contains substances which perform important functions in our body. These essential substances contributed by our food are called nutrients. If these nutrients are not present in our food in sufficient amounts, the result is ill health and in some cases, even death. Food also contains many substances which are non-nutrients e.g. coloring and flavoring in food. The science of foods the nutrients and other substances in their action. Interaction and balance is relationship to health and disease; the process by which the organism ingests, absorbs, transports and utilizes nutrients and disposes of their end products. In addition, nutrition must be concerned with the social, economic, cultural and psychological implications of food and eating.  Food, as you know, contains nutrients as well as substances which are non-nutrients. The body needs each nutrient is specific amounts. Some are needed in relatively larger amounts (THE MACRONUTRIENTS) and some in smaller amounts (THE MICRONUTRIENTS) But they are all equally essential for our health. Each nutrient plays a significant role in the body. The mineral, calcium, for example, helps build strong bones and teeth.   Nutrition is about why you eat, what you eat and how food you get affects your body and your health. Each one of us has special needs and goals. If you do not know where are going, will not know when you have arrived, if you arrive at all. Many people plunge ahead with a nutrition plan without first checking to see what is needed or will even work. Each of us must assess our own nutritional status to determine what is needed and where we are going before planning our life long plan of care.

Approximately 60 % of our body weight is water, 20% of our body is fat, and 20% of our body weight is a combination of mostly protein plus carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins.

Functions of Nutrients

What is the purpose of the process of digestion? It is through this process that the complex substances in food are broken down into simpler substances which the body can take in and use. Some of these complex substances such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats undergo some change during digestion. However, water, mineral and vitamins present in the food can be absorbed directly without undergoing any digestive change. Digestion and absorption take place in the digestive tract of the body.   Nutrients from food are absorbed by the body as it passes through the digestive system. Food is essential because it contains substances which perform important functions in our body. These essential substances contributed by our food  are called nutrients. If these nutrients are not present in our food in sufficient amounts, the result is ill health and in some cases, even death. Food also contains many substances which are non-nutrients e.g. coloring and flavorings sub­stances in food.

{Food is, therefore, a complex mixture of different nutrients and non-nutrients.}

Ø  Nutrients are essential for cell growth, maintenance and repair.

Ø  Nutrients provide energy to enable your body to function efficiently.

Ø  Nutrients, along with fiber and water, are essential to your good health.

Although nutrients can work alone, each depends upon the others to be the most effective. The main nutrients are the macronutrients, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats – and the micronu­trients, vitamins and minerals.