subject: Why Is Nutrition Important To Your Well Being? [print this page] Why is nutrition important to your health and what, exactly, is it?
Basically, you are what you eat and, for your body to work efficiently, you need to regularly feed it with good food. This way, you'll be happier and healthier, better able to face the demands each new day brings, fighting both infection and the aging process.
Good nutrition entails eating as wide a variety of natural foods as possible, and in the correct proportions.
Unfortunately, nowadays, people in the developed countries stuff themselves with too much processed and junk food. In fact, the diet of most North Americans consists of around 75 percent processed foods.
This is really bad news, for junk foods are a poor form of nutrition, tending to be high in fats and carbohydrates. Processed foods are also slower to burn than natural foods, and the sense of feeling satisfied doesn't last as long, all of which results in obesity.
What makes matters worse is that children are fed on too many fast foods, the parents no longer having sufficient time to prepare freshly-cooked meals. This is a great shame, for it's particularly important that youngsters receive good nutrition, to ensure healthy growth of muscle, bone and tissue.
So, what does a good diet consist of?
You'll need a balanced mix of proteins, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats and, of course, plenty of water.
Proteins are responsible for body growth and repair, and for maintaining the immune system. You'll find them in meat, poultry, fish, beans, nuts and seeds.
Vitamins and minerals also help with growth and development, regulating body processes. Fresh fruits and vegetables are excellent sources.
Carbohydrates and fats supply the body with energy. Complex, slow-burning carbohydrates are present in grains, cereals, vegetables and fruit. Whilst healthy, monounsaturated fats can be found in foods such as nuts, seeds, olive oil, and oily fish for example salmon, trout and sardines.
Water and fluids are necessary for hydrating the body. They also transport nutrients to the various body parts, carry away waste, and help maintain the body temperature.
To sum up Just why is nutrition important? Well, because without good food going into your body, you won't be able to live life to the fullest!
