Nutrition is taking in food and utilizing it for various body functions. All living organisms need nutrients for growth and development.
There is a wide divergence in the way different species fulfill this demand. Some use simple inorganic compounds, while others utilize complex biomolecules.
Fats
Fats (or fatty acids) are vital to the human diet. They provide energy for our bodies and help protect us from disease and illness.
Fats can be divided into two categories: saturated and unsaturated. Saturated fats increase your risk of cardiovascular disease and should be limited to less than 10 percent of your calories.
Unsaturated fats, polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fats, lower your risk of heart disease and other diseases. These fats can be found in nuts, seeds and vegetable oils.
Choose healthy food options New Glasgow NS that are low in calories and rich in healthy fats. These include nuts, seeds and olive oil.
Fruits
Fruits provide the wide range of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals your body needs to maintain good health. These fruits also help reduce your risk of certain cancers and heart disease.
Eat whole, cut-up, or pureed fruit for the most nutritional value. Try fresh, frozen, canned, dried and 100% juice varieties of fruit.
From a botanical perspective, fruit is any “fleshy or dry ripened ovary of a flowering plant” that encloses seeds. Similarly, vegetables are any “herbaceous plant cultivated for an edible part – seeds, roots, stems, leaves, bulbs or tubers.”
Vegetables
Vegetables are one of the essential parts of any healthy diet. They contain nutrients and antioxidants that protect your body from disease, boost your energy level, and help you lose weight.
Additionally, they are a great source of dietary fiber, which keeps your digestive system in good shape. Plenty of green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale will keep you full for longer and lower your risk of heart disease, cancer, and high blood pressure.
Some people find it hard to include vegetables in their daily diets, but there are ways to make it easier. Try incorporating them into recipes creatively, such as spiralized zucchini or carrots for spaghetti, or making a vegetable “noodle” by adding it to sauces and pasta dishes.
Grains
Grains provide several essential nutrients and can be an easy way to make healthier food choices. They contain fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can help fight chronic disease and improve overall health.
To get the most health benefits from grains, choose whole-grain options and avoid refined grain products such as white bread, white rice and cornmeal. Advanced grain products lose some dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals when processed in industrial settings.
Aim to get at least half your grains in the form of whole-grain foods. It includes wheat, oats, rice, barley, cornmeal and other cereal grains.
Proteins
Protein is a crucial nutrient that your body needs to maintain optimal health. It builds and repairs muscle, tissue, skin and nails; helps to produce hormones and enzymes; and supplies the body with energy.
Fortunately, there are plenty of healthy proteins to choose from, and many of them can be part of your everyday diet. Meat, poultry, eggs, fish, beans, nuts and seeds are all excellent protein sources.
Eating a variety of foods when eating protein is essential to get the nutrients your body needs. Choosing protein from various food sources also ensures you get enough essential amino acids (protein building blocks).
