case of everything right from the automobiles which require
gasoline or fuel to the living cells which requires food.
Nutrition is an organic process of nourishing or being
nourished; the process that allows organism to assimilate the
food and use it for growth, work and maintenance.
In other words, nutrition is defined as a science, which
narrates the relationship between the health and diet. In a
same way, nutritionists or dieticians are health professionals
who specialize in this area.
The Purpose of knowing Nutrition
The main purpose of studying or knowing nutrition is to explain
the physiological and metabolic response of the body to the diet
it takes. Molecular biology, biochemistry and genetics are the
newer sciences that assist in studying the body's mechanism.
The human body is made up of water, proteins (amino acids),
nucleic acids, fatty acids and carbohydrates. These compounds
in turn have elements like hydrogen, carbon, oxygen, phosphorus
and nitrogen. We do have minerals like calcium, zinc, iron etc.
These are to be maintained in the body at any cost as any
alteration in this will invite the diseased state. Foods are
the sources of all the elements we want and hence, it is
important to understand how foods affect the body.
Types of Nutrients
The substance that provides nourishment or nutrition is called
as nutrient. There are six main classes of nutrients, which the
body needs namely; proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins,
minerals and water.
The proteins or amino acids are required to produce new body
proteins and to replace the damaged proteins. Proteins help in
building the body. There are many types of Vitamins in the body
that help in the different performance of the bodily systems.
Water and salts maintain the hydration of the body. It is also
an important structure that maintains the blood pressure in the
body. Carbohydrates and fats are the powerhouse of the body.
They release the energy as and when required in the body.
Minerals are essential for normal bodily functions.
Things to be Remembered
Studying nutrition, one can know about the nourishment of the
body by food and also hazardous things which can be brought by
improper diet. High calories intake may result in life
threatening disease like arteriosclerosis and so the heart
attack. Proper nutrition is required for the body to fight
against the microorganisms. Knowing the nutrition and its
importance, one can take care about himself or herself and
their babies. Proper nourishment prevents major diseases in the
children like Kwashiorkor and Marasmus. Knowledge of nutrition
will also help in preventing diseases. During the pregnancy,
improper nutrition will affect mother and also to the
development of fetus.
Nutrition is important to know, to study and to put it into
implement. We should know about the food and drink we consume.
It is beneficial in both ways; healthy foods are to be
increased and bad foods like foods having `empty calories' are
to be avoided.
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to: http://www.nutritio
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