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Nutrition<\/span><\/b> is broadly defined as <\/span>\u2018the science that deals with nutrients and the relationship between diet, health, and disease.\u2019<\/span><\/b> WHY DOES IT MATTER?<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention) reports claim<\/span><\/b>\u00a0 that<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span>POOR NUTRITION IS MAKING AMERICA SICK<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Proper nutrition is crucial in keeping you and the future generations of Americans healthy. People who eat a healthy, nutritious diet tend to live longer and are at a lower risk for diseases such as obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Macronutrients vs Micronutrients<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u2018Macro\u2019 means \u2018large,\u2019 so, macronutrients are those nutrients that your body needs in massive amounts. These include- carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and water.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Micronutrients are required only in tiny amounts for essential functions of your body. These include vitamins and minerals.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Let\u2019s talk about the 6 Vital Nutrients your body needs to stay healthy.<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n CARBOHYDRATES<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n What are they?<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Carbohydrates include sugars, starch, and fiber.<\/span><\/p>\n Complex carbs are a healthier option than sugars and refined carbs.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span>Where can you find them?<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Foods consisting of grain-based products-rice, noodles, bread, millet, bran, fruits, and some vegetables like potatoes, etc.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n PROTEINS<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n What are they?<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Proteins are a group of macronutrients that are the building blocks of amino acids. There are 20 amino acids; 9 of these are called \u2018essential\u2019 (which means you need them from food), and the body makes the other 11 \u2018non-essential\u2019 amino acids. They build, repair, and maintain healthy body tissues like muscles, bones, skin, hair, and nails.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Where can you find them?<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Proteins can be found mostly in food from animal sources like chicken, fish, turkey, red meat, milk, and eggs, and a few plant sources like lentils, beans, and nuts.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n FATS<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n What are they?<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Fats are waxy substances found in the human body. They are a source of energy, act as a protective layer over joints and vital organs, and are a critical component in many hormones. They are classified as unsaturated fats, saturated fats, and trans fats.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Where can you find them?<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n WATER<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n What is it?<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Water (H<\/span>2<\/span>O) is the most abundant and essential nutrient in your body (An adult human has up to 60% water). Water is the base for all your body fluids and acts as a medium for the transport of nutrients and waste in and out of the body.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Adequate hydration is essential for health. Your body requires approx. half a gallon (or 8 glasses) of water a day. Requirements also vary based on your age, activity levels, health status, environment, and so on.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Where can you find it?<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n MINERALS<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n What are they?<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Minerals are the micro-nutrients responsible for muscle contraction, nerve impulse transmissions, healthy bones and teeth, and fluid balance in the body.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n There are two kinds of minerals: macro-minerals (sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, chloride, and sulfur) and trace minerals (iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride, and selenium).\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Where can you find them?<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Green leafy vegetables like spinach, banana, fish, tofu, legumes, lentils, table salt, milk, egg yolk, nuts and seeds, fortified cereals, etc.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n VITAMINS<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n What are they?<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Vitamins are essential micro-nutrients that can\u2019t be produced by the body. Hence, you need to have foods that are rich in vitamins. Vitamins are responsible for the health of your heart, eyes, skin, hair, and lungs and regulate the metabolism of hormones and enzymes.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0They are grouped as:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Where can you find them?<\/span><\/i><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Green leafy vegetables, red meat, yogurt, citrus fruits, cereals, milk, poultry, eggs, fish, beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds are great sources of vitamins.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
\n\u00a0<\/span>A <\/span>Nutrient<\/span><\/b> is ‘<\/span>a substance that provides nourishment essential for the growth and maintenance of life.\u2019<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n
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