What Is Nutrition?
Nutrition is the intake of food, considered in relation to the body’s dietary needs. Good nutrition – an adequate, well balanced diet combined with regular physical activity – is a cornerstone of good health. Poor nutrition can lead to reduced immunity, increased susceptibility to disease, impaired physical and mental development, and reduced productivity.
It is trying to balance the amount of different types of foods eaten everyday so that it becomes a nutritionally adequate diet.
A balanced diet is one that includes foods from all food groups during the day. The quantities and proportions of these foods need to be such that they fulfill our daily requirements for all nutrients.
In addition the nutrients should be in such amounts that a little bit can be stored in the body to take care of the days when food intake is insufficient.
Balanced diet usually provide 50-60% energy from carbohydrates, 10-15% energy from proteins and 20-30% energy from fats.
In addition diet should provide macronutrients and other protective substances like phytochemicals in sufficient quantities needed for maintaining optimum health.
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Food group |
Main nutrient supplied
|
Other nutrients present
|
|
Cereal grains & products |
Energy, protein
|
Invisible fat, B vitamins, iron, calcium, fiber
|
|
Pulses and legumes
|
Protein, energy
|
Invisible fat, B vitamins, iron, calcium, fiber
|
|
|
Protein,
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Fat, riboflavin, calcium, vitamin B 12, fat soluble vitamins
|
|
Fruits & vegetables
|
Vitamins, minerals and fiber
|
Invisible fat, trace minerals and vitamins
|
|
Fat & sugars
|
Energy
|
Essential fatty acids
|
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