Nutrition is a type of science. It explains the relationship between the nutrients we intake from foods and the growth and development of living things as well as their health, maintenance, and reproduction. Nutrition also means the consumption of foods that nourish our bodies with their nutrients for health, growth, and development.
Consuming the right foods is crucial for human beings. Our nutrition is the reason why some people are healthy while others are not. Eating well by ensuring that your meals are healthy and well balanced. A balanced meal has all the nutrients.
Typically, we have seven nutrients and are categorized into two: micro-nutrients and macro-nutrients.
Micro-nutrients
These are the nutrients that one needs to take them in small portions. They include:
Minerals: these are elements that are inorganic that the body needs for various functions. Such minerals include calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, and so on. They promote the normal functioning of the body.
Vitamins: these are also essential elements that help with a lot of chemical processes among other things in the body. Some of the vitamins include vitamin A, C, D, E, K, and B vitamins (biotin, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, and more)
Macro-nutrients
These are nutrients that the body needs in large portions. They include:
Carbohydrates: these foods provide us with energy for the day to day activities. They include foods like grains, legumes, and starchy vegetables among others.
Proteins: these are the foods that are crucial for growth, development, and repair or body tissues and muscles. They include seafood, animal products, almonds, eggs, and more.
Roughage: these are the fibers found in certain foods that are indigestible and are essential for digestion and gut health.
Fats: healthy fats are also essential for the body, and they are also a source of energy. You can get fats from chia seeds, avocados, cheese, eggs, fatty fish, and more.
Water: water forms a more significant percentage of the body and is crucial for all body functions and transportation of nutrients.
Healthy living demands healthy nutrition coupled up with physical exercises. Check your diet and ensure you have all these nutrients.
By Lorah