Importance of Nutrition
We all are given many lessons on the importance of nutrition, in our schools as well as at home, when we are young. Even elders, who are suffering from different diseases are asked to improve the quality of the food, which they intake. The truth is that, nutrition is an essential part of every person's life - be it children, teenagers, adults or aged people. What most of the doctors and nutritionists suggest is that only a balanced diet can provide us with the essential nutrients and minerals which are necessary for growth and wear and tear of our body. The importance of nutritious food for athletes is well-known, as they would be able to achieve high stamina and endurance levels only after eating healthy foods.
Why is Eating Nutritious Food Essential?
A diet can be called the one which provides proper nutrition to the body, only if we get the essential macro nutrients such as proteins, fats and carbohydrates and also the micro nutrients like the vitamins and minerals. The function of the macro nutrients is to provide energy and strength to the body while the micro nutrients play an important role in the working of the cells of our body. Adequate and proportionate intake of carbohydrates, proteins and fats, which are the components of nutrition is very essential to stay away from infections, cardiovascular and contagious diseases. The proteins do the task of building the tissues of the muscles and also maintaining and repairing them. By consuming protein rich foods, you can meet the need for amino acids, which are necessary for proper functioning of the body. You can meet the protein requirements of your body, if you eat food items such as milk, milk products, yolk, eggs, meat, almonds, etc.
Carbohydrates are very useful to meet the energy requirements of the body, but at the same time, we should not consume them in excessive quantities, as this can cause an increase in the fat content on the body. The storage of fat on the body takes place if the carbohydrates which are consumed, are left unused. The carbohydrates are basically of two types - the simple carbohydrates and the complex carbohydrates. The simple carbohydrates are useful in meeting the immediate energy requirements of the body, as they are the sources of quick energy. On the other hand, the complex carbohydrates provide you with energy, which can be used over a period of time. The main function of the fats is to protect the delicate and important organs in the body. The fats are the insulators of the human body and hence consuming them in sufficient amounts is extremely essential.
Now, talking about the minerals and calcium which assist in proper contraction of the muscles and clotting of the blood is undoubtedly the most important aspect for the human body. Apart from calcium, phosphorus, which assist the growth of bones and teeth, and iron which supplies oxygen to the lungs, are equally important for the human body. Sodium in right quantities is also essential for overall development of the body. Parents should understand nutritional value so that they will be able to take right decisions regarding what to feed their children. Good nutrition is essential for the physical as well as the mental growth of the children. It has been observed that the children who receive undernourished food, which is devoid of the nutrition components mentioned above, suffer from many diseases and disorders and often experience stunted growth. Many awareness programs are being conducted by health organizations in order to explain why nutrition is important. Along with eating nutritious foods, it is important that you exercise well to burn the calories and stay fit.
