Basics of Good Nutrition - Why You Need To Eat Right

Knowing the basics of good nutrition is essential but most people are unaware of just how important it is. People eat because they feel hungry.

Sometimes, they eat because the food looks too tempting to resist.

People know they need to eat so that they can have energy to do the things they have to do but it is rare to find someone who realizes that eating is not just eating and you have to make sure that you eat what is right for your body too.

The benefits of good nutrition extend to normal body functioning and the prevention of infection and disease.

The basics of good nutrition entail the need to eat different foods in the right amounts. You cannot get all the nutrients you need just by eating one type of food.

Each food contains different nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and fiber that are all needed by the body.

Water helps transport nutrients into the cell and helps remove waste from cells as well. The importance of good nutrition is paramount.

Here are two main reasons why good nutrition is important.

• 1) ENERGY

  As mentioned earlier, food is required for energy. The body needs energy to grow, develop, and function properly. The best source of energy is carbohydrates.

  The body can easily digest carbohydrates and convert it to glucose. The body can also produce glucose from protein and fats if there is insufficient carbohydrate intake.

• 2) PREVENTION OF DISEASE

  Proper nutrition helps protect you against disease. Eating right provides the body with the nutrients it needs to strengthen its self and make it more able to protect its self from infection.

  For example, vitamin C helps boost the immune system and helps with wound healing.

  Vitamin A plays a role in white blood cell functioning and helps improve the body’s defenses against disease.

The food pyramid is actually a guide to what kinds of food to eat as well as how much of each kind of food is appropriate to consume.

Following the food pyramid is a must to good nutrition. The basics of good nutrition are laid out in a very straight-forward manner with the food pyramid so it's easy to use.

At the bottom of the pyramid are carbohydrates like breads, cereals, and grains. A person should eat most of these kinds of foods as complex carbohydrates are good sources of energy.

Above this level are fruits and vegetables. These foods are rich in nutrients like fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Fruits and vegetables are also low in fat and sodium.

Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is better than drinking juice preparations unless you can be sure that it contains pure fruit juice with no sugar and other additives.

The next level of the pyramid says that 2-3 servings of dairy products and protein is adequate.

Dairy products like milk and cheese are good sources of calcium and protein.

Choose milk and cheese that are low in fat. Proteins like meat, fish, and poultry are important too as they provide the body with protein, zinc, and iron.

Choose lean meat and try grilling or baking as a cooking method instead of frying.

At the tip of the pyramid are fats, sweets, and oil. These are big in calories but low in nutrition and should be used sparingly. Foods like desserts, sweets, butter, cream, and sodas should be consumed in small amounts only.

Eating right is a must if you want to live a long and healthy life. Drink plenty of water and make sure to include some form of exercise in your daily health regime.

Avoiding bad habits like smoking and consuming too much alcohol can also help to ensure that good health can be yours.

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