In India, people lack the basic knowledge of nutrition and how if effects one’s body. They don’t even have basic know-how of biology and physiology. This is the reason they are not able to figure out what wonders a wholesome nutrition plan can bring to them. Let us try to know the basic health concepts before understanding how nutrition affects our bodies.
How do our organs work?
- Lungs provide oxygen to the blood
- Heart circulates the blood throughout our body
- Stomach helps in digesting the food
- Intestines absorb nutrients from food
- Liver removes toxins from blood and processes nutrients form food
- Kidneys filter blood of waste and extra fluid
Now when we have an idea of the process, let’s know about nutrition. Nutrition is how food affects the health of the body. Food is essential as it provides vital nutrients for survival, helps the body functions and stay healthy. Food comprises of macronutrients including protein, carbohydrate and fat. These not only provide calories to fuel our body and give it energy but play important roles in maintaining health. Food also supplies micronutrients – vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. These do not provide calories but serve a variety of critical functions to ensure that body operates optimally.
Macronutrients: Protein, Carbohydrate and Fat
Protein: It is found in red meat, chicken, eggs, fish, sea-food, soybeans and legumes. Proteins give amino acids to the body. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins which are needed for all kinds growth, repair, maintenance and development of body tissues. Protein provides structure to muscle and bone, repairs tissues when they are damaged and helps immune system to fight infections and inflammation of any kind in the body.
Carbohydrate: The main function of carbohydrate is to provide calorie to the body and fuel the body with energy. Foods like rice, tortilla, corn, plantain and all breads provide carbohydrate while potatoes and all other root vegetables are sources of starch and sugar which provide carbohydrate to give energy to the body. This energy helps us carry out our daily activity.
Fat: Dietary fat, which is found in oils, coconut, nuts, milk, cheese, butter, ghee, meat, poultry, and fish provides structure to the cells and cushions membranes to help prevent damage. Oils and fats are also essential for absorbing fat soluble vitamins like Vitamin A, a nutrient required for healthy eyes and lungs.
Micronutrients: Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals are important food components that help support overall health and play important roles in cell metabolism and neurological functions.
Vitamins aid in energy production, wound healing, bone formation, immunity, eyes and skin health. Minerals help maintain cardiovascular health and provide structure to the skeleton.
Vitamin A helps the eyes to see better. Calcium and magnesium help the muscles and blood vessels relax preventing cramps and high blood pressure. Vitamin C helps wounds to heal and body’s ability to fight of germs. Iron helps the blood transport oxygen throughout the body. Vitamin D helps in absorption of calcium for good bone health. Similarly, all vitamins and minerals are required by the body. If your body is deficient in anyone of them, you are bound to suffer health problems.
Consuming a balanced diet including fruit, vegetables, dairy, protein foods and whole or enriched grains ensure that your body functions properly and is in good shape if you are exercising and doing regular workout!
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The team is based out of Delhi and is connected to all the leading athletes, trainers and nutritionists. The purpose is to bridge the gap between common people and all fitness e..
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