NUTRITION: SOLUTION TO HEALTH DISEASES

 

Nutrition as a branch of science helps in the study of food which consists of nutrients, antinutrients, and phytochemicals which helps to care and improve one's health, leading to freedom from diseases and infirmities.

Nutritious food helps to maintain and improve lifestyle but how do I know my nutritional status?

Nutritional Status is the state of the body as a result of foods consumed and their utilization by the body. It can either be good, fair or bad.

It is classified into 3 major groups

1) Optimal Nutrition (healthy feeding)

2) Under - Nourished (Underweight)

3) Over - Nourished (Obesity,Overweight)

When individual do not have optimal nutrition it's certain that health diseases and problems start to set in (obesity, overweight, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cancer, marasmus)

The mechanism behind nutrition being the basic solution to health problems is because of NUTRIENTS.

Nutrients are the organic compounds mainly present in foods (liquid, solid, semi-liquid form) that nourishes the body, provide energy for the cells in the body and enhance the body's growth.

Nutrients can be classified into two major parts:

1. Macronutrients

2. Micronutrients

Macronutrients are nutrients that are required by the body  in large quantities and are usually greater than 1,000mg  and are to be consumed daily . They are the main fuel source of energy.

 They are mainly:

 Carbohydrates

Food sources: Bread, Rice, Yam, Wheat, Cassava

 Protein

Food sources: Fish, Milk, Eggs, Liver organ

Fats and Oils

Food sources:Margarine, Butter, Vegetable oil

Micronutrients: these are nutrients that are required in less quantities by the body. Being micro doesn't mean they are not needed because their deficiency can pose danger and threat to the body cells and organs. 

They are mainly:

Vitamins

Food sources:Orange, Banana, Watermelon, Vegetables

Minerals

Food sources: Milk, Cereals 

Water

Characteristics Of Good Nutrition 

1. Alert and good natured personality

2. A well developed body with a normal Body Mass Index

3. A well developed and firm muscles, healthy skin and highly functioning cells of the body

4. A good appetite

5. Appropriate consumption of foods in right quantities

6. Good immune system

7. Clear vision and resistance to diseases

Thanks for reading!

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Article by:

Olukogbe Oluwagbemisola

Food, Nutrients & Health

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