Monday, 12 April 2010

Tips on Nutrition

The food we eat everyday needs to be nutritious to keep our body stronger and healthier. A typical nutritious diet should include vegetables and fruits which are good source of nutrients. Our body requires essential nutrients such as the Protein, Carbohydrates, Vitamins, Fatty acids and minerals etc.

A nutritious diet would help one to live longer without any health related issues. It also helps in maintaining stronger bones, teeth and healthy skin. Let us now discuss about the importance of some of the nutrients.

Protein
Protein is one of the essential nutrients, which helps to regulate metabolism, build stronger muscles and bones including repairing our body cells. The requirement of Protein may differ from one person to other based on their age, gender, physical activity etc. One should also keep in mind that excess of protein may lead to health complications. Foods rich in protein include egg, milk, cheese, meat, legumes, cashew nuts, Soya etc.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates refer to sugar or starch. Foods like potatoes, bananas and cereals are rich in carbohydrates. Carbohydrates come in forms of Complex Sugars and Simple Sugars. When you consume foods rich in Carbohydrates it is broken into glucose which is used for energy by our body.

Vitamins

Vitamins are organic substances which help in proper functioning of body cells, metabolism, growth and body development. There are various types of Vitamin such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E and Vitamin K. Some of the foods which are rich in vitamins are potato, spinach, beans, carrot, broccoli, Soya beans etc.

Fats
Fats are utilized as source of energy in our body. Fats are also called as lipids. Consumption of excessive fats leads to obesity, weight gain and other health related problems. Foods rich in fats include ice-cream, cheese, butter, meat etc.

Minerals
Minerals include iron, calcium, potassium etc. which is required for body growth and maintenance. Egg, beans, broccoli, tomatoes, peanuts, cheese, milk etc are food rich in minerals.

Water
Water is the most essential nutrient required by our body. It plays a vital role in maintaining our health, regulating our body temperature and blood flow, regulating metabolic activities etc. We should consume water every now and then as fresh water is required by our body for proper functioning.

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