Nutrition comprises the process of
providing the nutrients needed for health, growth, development and survival. .
Food is an essential part of this process since it is the source of these
nutrients, but good caring practices and good health care are also essential to
the nutrition process.
Nutrition is the study of food at work
in our bodies, our source for energy, and the medium for which our nutrients
can function. Nutritions comprises Food, individual, community and environment
that impact the body and influence health. The environment is essential to
nutrition since people cannot be healthy in a sick environment.
We are what we eat, and food has a
unique power to restore the health of individuals and communities.
A balanced food:
Our daily food must include the
essential nutrients for life, these nutrients include carbohydrates, proteins,
and lipids (fats), fibre, vitamins, minerals, and a lot of water—the solvent
for all soluble ingredients in the blood and cells.
Eating well plays an important part in
maintaining good health. A balanced food means eating the right amount of food
for how active you are.
Eating a range of foods, these foods
should include:
- Some bread, rice, potatoes, pasta and other starchy foods as these give you energy. You should choose wholegrain varieties they contain more fibre.
- Plenty of fruit and vegetables. Eat at least five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables a day.
- Some meat, fish, eggs, beans and other non-dairy sources of protein.
- Eat at least two portions of fish every week, including one portion of oily fish such as mackerel or sardines.
- Some milk and dairy foods (choosing lower-fat varieties when possible).
- Cut down on saturated fat and sugar. Eat less salt – no more than 6g a day for adults.
- Drink plenty of water, about six to eight glasses of water (or other fluids) every day.
