The importance of nutrition in the well-being of human development has been widely recognized by all countries; regardless of their socio-economic status. Malnutrition is a serious health problem because it does not only create impact to the people but it also affects the entire national health systems. That is why several healthcare institutions put emphasis on educating the people from consuming healthy foods and understanding the importance of nutrition.
Basically, nutrition is important in maintaining good health, stamina and prevention of certain diseases. This can be preserved only through choosing the right kinds of food and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Various nutrients are essential in performing body functions such as metabolic, chemical, mental or physical processes. Without these nutrients, an individual’s well-being is greatly affected especially in performing day to day activities and maintaining a sickness-free body. Nutrition fuels the body and enhances the chemical building blocks such as amino acids to make protein, magnesium and calcium for bones and teeth. It provides fatty acids that are necessary in building cell membranes and other cellular components. The vitamins as well as the minerals that are obtained from nutrition act as co-factors in all enzymes that happen in the body. These are necessary for the cells to function normally or stay alive for a longer period.
The food we eat affects the overall health. As the body breaks down food, essential vitamins and minerals will repair and create cells or tissues and hastens the metabolic processes. Nutrition plays an important role in all physiologic responses of the body because it increases the risk of getting a disease or prevents these conditions from happening. For this reason, choosing the right kinds of food is beneficial. Fruits and vegetables remains a top priority in a healthy diet because these foods have low calories and great amounts of vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. Eating variety of dark green lettuce, mustard greens, Chinese cabbage, broccoli, corn, beets, squash, sweet potatoes, apples, berries, oranges and mangoes provide all packed nutrition. In fact, deeply coloured vegetables and fruits have higher amounts of essential nutrients and those with different colours contain different benefits as well. The more a person eats fruits and vegetables, the greater the benefits he/she will get.
Carbohydrates and healthy fiber sources should be included in a nutritious diet. Whole grains provide long lasting energy and are rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals which greatly minimize the incidence of coronary heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Since whole grains are common sources of good carbohydrates, these will be digested slowly and keep the blood sugar in a normal level. Protein should not be neglected in a nutritious diet because it gives energy to keep the body going. The protein we eat breaks down into 20 amino acids that contain the basic building blocks of cells, tissues and organs. Deficiency of protein slows the growth and development of the body that is why it reduces muscle mass, weakens the heart, lower immunity and respiratory system. Meat and fish are the common sources of protein but vegetables like beans, peas and nuts also provide healthy protein options.
Aside from maintaining stronger bones and teeth, calcium is important in moving the muscles and allowing the nerves to transmit messages from the brain to other body parts. This mineral also helps in nourishing the blood vessels from moving blood and releasing hormones and enzymes necessary for human body functioning. Common sources of calcium are milk, cheese, yogurt, green leafy vegetables and beans. Eating all these nutritious food and having a balanced diet can minimize the risks of diseases. Aside from that, it provides a healthy body and mind, allowing the individual to perform better in all aspects of life.
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Posted by: MJC