Nutrition 101
Lesson 14
Nutrition 101
A Balanced Diet
Foods are composed of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, along with vitamins and minerals. Your body depends on all of these essential nutrients for good health. Nutrients are used by the body to produce energy that is measured in calories.
A balanced diet must include all of the essential nutrients but only in the quantities you need for weight maintenance. Weight loss occurs when more calories are used than taken in. Weight gain occurs when more calories are consumed than used.
And remember, all excess calories, regardless of their origin, turn to fat. Although nutrients are not fattening in and of themselves, your body only uses or burns what it needs. Excess calories from protein, carbohydrates or fats are stored in the body as fat. This storing of fat is a defense mechanism which your body uses to fend off starvation.
Nutrient Summary
Proteins are the building blocks of the body and are necessary for the growth and repair of tissue. They are generally gathered from beef, fish, fowl, eggs, dairy products and certain nuts and grains.
Fats provide the body with stored energy. They are also useful in lubricating the digestive tract, protecting organs and nerves, and providing insulation for the body. While this is an essential function, only small amounts are needed for this task. Fats are derived from butter, margarine, oil, diary products, and even some protein sources.
Carbohydrates are used to meet the bodys immediate energy needs, especially those of the brain. They also provide energy for numerous body functions and help in the digestion and absorption process.
Vitamins are essential for specific body functions of maintenance and growth. A balanced diet will include all of the needed vitamins. If the diet is deficient in vitamins, a supplement is recommended, however, mega doses of any vitamin may be dangerous and should not be taken without the advice of a physician.
Minerals support the structures of the body and regulate many body functions. Here again, the balanced diet will contain adequate minerals, however in some cases your physician may recommend a supplement.
Water is essential to all body functions. Without it, the body cannot survive more than a few
days.
Gene C.
Nutrition 101
A Balanced Diet
Foods are composed of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, along with vitamins and minerals. Your body depends on all of these essential nutrients for good health. Nutrients are used by the body to produce energy that is measured in calories.
A balanced diet must include all of the essential nutrients but only in the quantities you need for weight maintenance. Weight loss occurs when more calories are used than taken in. Weight gain occurs when more calories are consumed than used.
And remember, all excess calories, regardless of their origin, turn to fat. Although nutrients are not fattening in and of themselves, your body only uses or burns what it needs. Excess calories from protein, carbohydrates or fats are stored in the body as fat. This storing of fat is a defense mechanism which your body uses to fend off starvation.
Nutrient Summary
Proteins are the building blocks of the body and are necessary for the growth and repair of tissue. They are generally gathered from beef, fish, fowl, eggs, dairy products and certain nuts and grains.
Fats provide the body with stored energy. They are also useful in lubricating the digestive tract, protecting organs and nerves, and providing insulation for the body. While this is an essential function, only small amounts are needed for this task. Fats are derived from butter, margarine, oil, diary products, and even some protein sources.
Carbohydrates are used to meet the bodys immediate energy needs, especially those of the brain. They also provide energy for numerous body functions and help in the digestion and absorption process.
Vitamins are essential for specific body functions of maintenance and growth. A balanced diet will include all of the needed vitamins. If the diet is deficient in vitamins, a supplement is recommended, however, mega doses of any vitamin may be dangerous and should not be taken without the advice of a physician.
Minerals support the structures of the body and regulate many body functions. Here again, the balanced diet will contain adequate minerals, however in some cases your physician may recommend a supplement.
Water is essential to all body functions. Without it, the body cannot survive more than a few
days.
Gene C.
posted by Gene Carbonell at
8:42 PM
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