Malnutrition is a problem that makes us vulnerable to
diseases and premature deaths. Proper nutrition is
important because it affects us in so many ways. It
provides energy for us to grown, develop, work, play and
resist infections. Our nutrition and health affects our
social lives and is our fundamental right as humans.
Poverty is the number one cause of malnutrition in
developing countries. But in developed countries, stress
from work has led to many people neglecting the basic
requirements for health. So what is nutrition? Nutrition
is the process of getting the right kinds of food into your
body for proper growth and development. Not obtaining the
right balance of nutritional foods can affect every aspect
of your life. We need to correct our eating habits and
start living a healthier lifestyle.
A balanced nutritious diet based centered on nutrients is a
healthy diet. Nutrients are substances found in food that
nourish the body. Proper nutrition allows us to have a
shapely body with appropriate body weight. A balanced
amount of fat and muscle can help you carry out your daily
activities without straining your mentally or physically.
Nutritional disorders result when you don’t get the right
amount of nutrients.
Nutrients are divided into two groups: macronutrients and
micronutrients. The first groups include proteins, fats,
some minerals, water and carbohydrates and they are needed
on a daily basis and in large quantities. Micronutrients are
also required daily but in small quantities. They consist of
vitamins and some minerals that allow the body to use
macronutrients. There are some guidelines for a healthy diet
but it is important to know that nutritional requirements
depend on many factors such as age, weight, sex, height and
physical activities.
Choosing foods that contain a low percentage of saturated
fat is recommended for eating healthy. Foods low in
saturated fats help the body decrease the cholesterol level.
A gradual decrease in saturated fats is recommended. Also,
incorporating fruits and vegetables into your diet helps
build up the fiber level.
Basically, you need to take a lot of bread, cereal, rice,
and pasta and supplement it with vegetables and fruits in
sufficient quantities. You can further add products like
cheese, milk, yoghurt, meat, poultry, beans, beans, eggs and
nuts but in smaller quantities. Finally, bring your intake
of fats, oils and sweets to the minimum. If you follow the
basics of a nutritional balanced diet you can live a happy
and healthy life.