Food consists of six groups, all of which are
basic necessities essential for good health. These are
proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water.
There are over 40 different nutrients the body needs to perform
its functions.
Protein is the keystone of human nutrition. It
is essential for every form of life for growth, pregnancy,
formation of blood, bone, and every vital tissue. Meat is the
greatest source of animal protein for health. Protein provides
the animal acid needed to build muscle tissue and to grow our
hair.
Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for
the body for its daily routine activities such as sitting,
standing, walking, and so on. Another source of energy for the
body is fat. Fat is used when we increase our activity such as
when we are exercising. Fats and carbohydrates are stored in
the body for later use. It is important that we eat
enough food for energy but it is also important that we
expend energy to keep our bodies healthy. The body also
uses protein for energy.
If your food intake is healthy, you will be
getting the vitamins and minerals your body needs to function.
Some of the vitamins and minerals the body needs are iron,
thiamine, vitamin C, and vitamin D. You can also take
supplements if you do not feel you are getting the right amount
for your body through your eating.
Water is essential to the body. Water delivers
the nutrients to the various parts of the body. Water hydrates
the body, especially the mouth. We need saliva to keep our
mouth moist and free of bacteria. Water needs to be replenished
throughout the day. We lose water through bodily functions and
it is important to replace it. Also, if you are on a weight
loss diet, water can make you feel full.
I take a multi-vitamin every day. I had weight
loss surgery and it is one of the requirements imposed for the
change I made in my life. I have a chart of the amount of
nutrients I should ingest each day to keep my body functioning
properly. I also use a protein supplement. After the weight
loss surgery, my hair started to fall out. It did grow back as
my protein intake stabilized.
Be sure to check with your doctor about your
nutrition needs before adding supplements. Eat a diet filled
with nutrients for your good health.