The word nutrition has several definitions, but most people take it as a synonym for good (as in healthy) food. This is one meaning; another is the study of how the body uses food for growth, tissue repair and replacement, energy production, and system defense. Some nutrients naturally found in food have been isolated or replicated as 'supplements', dense nutrition in a tablet, capsule, drink, or powder.
Food gives us calories, which can be 'burned' by the body for energy. This term comes from the fact that utilizing calories gives off heat. Some foods provide calories and nutrients, while others (junk foods or 'empty calorie' foods) give us almost nothing but taste appeal. In fact, some foods are negatives; sugar digestion drains vitamins and minerals out of bones and teeth. Our bodies need many things besides calories, including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, fibers, proteins, and fats.
Whole foods contain dense nutrition in their natural, fresh form. When people lived mainly on food they produced themselves, this was not as much of a problem as it is today. Fresh vegetables from the garden, fruits from bushes and trees, and meat from the barnyard or from wildlife were staples for many generations.
Foods are modified for commercial reasons. Fresh fruits are both expensive and perishable. It's easier to stock up on canned fruits and vegetables, frozen fruit juices, or frozen vegetables. Milk, once drunk raw (unpasteurized) and fresh from the cow or goat, is now pasteurized and homogenized. Unfortunately, much of the goodness of the natural food was lost along the way.
To extend shelf-life, essential fatty acids are removed, which has caused a general lack of these vital nutrients. Fiber is not popular with those who like soft or crisp baked goods, and vegetable oils used as common ingredients have been rendered unhealthy by processing. Sugar addiction is a problem for many and causes obesity, bone degeneration, and tooth decay, as well as vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
An effort must be made to obtain foods in a natural state, as fresh as possible, and in quantity suited to daily activity. Food allergies or sensitivities should be taken into account. Sugary foods, refined foods, and packaged foods full of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives should be eliminated altogether or strictly limited. Children should be taught early on the value of a diet rich in good fats, plentiful fiber, adequate protein, and fruits and vegetables for vitamins and minerals.
Not all of a nutritional program concerns food. Exercise to tone muscle and promote fitness is very important. Walking, weight training, and body building tone muscles and strengthens the digestive tract and other internal organs. An adequate supply of pure water every day is vital. Deep sleep, which escapes many, is also necessary. Breathing from the diaphragm, as happens during exercise, is another health booster.
Good nutrition is important to all who want to live long, healthy, productive lives. Pain, illness, and loss of productivity are some consequences of improper diets and sedentary habits. Many of us don't need doctors as much as we need to understand what our bodies need and how to provide it.
Food gives us calories, which can be 'burned' by the body for energy. This term comes from the fact that utilizing calories gives off heat. Some foods provide calories and nutrients, while others (junk foods or 'empty calorie' foods) give us almost nothing but taste appeal. In fact, some foods are negatives; sugar digestion drains vitamins and minerals out of bones and teeth. Our bodies need many things besides calories, including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, fibers, proteins, and fats.
Whole foods contain dense nutrition in their natural, fresh form. When people lived mainly on food they produced themselves, this was not as much of a problem as it is today. Fresh vegetables from the garden, fruits from bushes and trees, and meat from the barnyard or from wildlife were staples for many generations.
Foods are modified for commercial reasons. Fresh fruits are both expensive and perishable. It's easier to stock up on canned fruits and vegetables, frozen fruit juices, or frozen vegetables. Milk, once drunk raw (unpasteurized) and fresh from the cow or goat, is now pasteurized and homogenized. Unfortunately, much of the goodness of the natural food was lost along the way.
To extend shelf-life, essential fatty acids are removed, which has caused a general lack of these vital nutrients. Fiber is not popular with those who like soft or crisp baked goods, and vegetable oils used as common ingredients have been rendered unhealthy by processing. Sugar addiction is a problem for many and causes obesity, bone degeneration, and tooth decay, as well as vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
An effort must be made to obtain foods in a natural state, as fresh as possible, and in quantity suited to daily activity. Food allergies or sensitivities should be taken into account. Sugary foods, refined foods, and packaged foods full of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives should be eliminated altogether or strictly limited. Children should be taught early on the value of a diet rich in good fats, plentiful fiber, adequate protein, and fruits and vegetables for vitamins and minerals.
Not all of a nutritional program concerns food. Exercise to tone muscle and promote fitness is very important. Walking, weight training, and body building tone muscles and strengthens the digestive tract and other internal organs. An adequate supply of pure water every day is vital. Deep sleep, which escapes many, is also necessary. Breathing from the diaphragm, as happens during exercise, is another health booster.
Good nutrition is important to all who want to live long, healthy, productive lives. Pain, illness, and loss of productivity are some consequences of improper diets and sedentary habits. Many of us don't need doctors as much as we need to understand what our bodies need and how to provide it.
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