Proper Nutrition: Why is Nutrition Important?

by Phillip
(Miami, Florida)

There are many lessons on the importance of nutrition: at schools, at home, on television etc. Even elders suffering different disorders try to improve the quality of their food intake.

Without a doubt nutrition is an essential part of life - be it for children, teenagers, adults or the elderly.
Most doctors and nutritionists suggest a balanced diet to provide us with essential nutrients and minerals necessary for growth and maintenance of our bodies.

Without proper nutrition athletes wouldn't be able to achieve the degrees of stamina and endurance they require.

Why is Eating Healthy Food Essential?

A diet must provide proper nutrition to the body.
We need essential macro nutrients like proteins, fats and carbohydrates, and also micro nutrients like vitamins and minerals to provide energy and strength to the body and ensure that our cells function correctly.

Correct intake of carbohydrates, proteins and fats is essential to prevent infections, and cardiovascular or contagious diseases.
Proteins help build muscle tissues and also maintain and repair them. Protein rich foods are also high in amino acids, necessary for the proper functioning of the body. These protein requirements can be obtained from foods such as milk, dairy products, eggs, meat, almonds, etc.

Carbohydrates supply the energy. However too much carbohydrates can also cause weight gain - unused carbs will be stored as fat.

There are 2 types of carbohydrates - simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates are for the immediate energy requirements and complex carbohydrates provide energy to be used over an extended period of time.

The function of fats is to protect the organs in the body - they act as insulators, so consuming fat in sufficient amounts is very beneficial.

Minerals:
Calcium assists in the contraction of the muscles and also the clotting of the blood.
Phosphorus helps in bone and teeth growth.
Iron supplies oxygen to the lungs.
Sodium is essential for the overall development of the body.

Nutrition education is essential so that we will be able to make healthy eating choices, and essential for the physical and mental growth of children.
Scientific studies show that undernourished children suffer more from diseases, disorders and even stunted growth.


Hope this article helps you understand why Proper Nutrition is important: Why is Nutrition Important...