Nutrition

Nutrition

Every day, we hear advice from a wide range of sources about eating, but it can be difficult to know what exactly to incorporate into our diets to improve health, energy, and wellbeing. Nutritionists and researchers recommend eating a “variety of nutrient dense, real foods” to maintain good health benefits. What does this mean, and how does one make sure they are adhering to these recommendations? The answer lies in understanding the different types of nutrients, their importance, and how our body uses them for fuel. 

For the most part, nutrition is broken down into six essential nutrients: 

vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, healthy fats, proteins, and water. All these items play an important role in making sure our body functions.

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients that are important for absorbing and processing necessary dietary components. We must take in food containing vitamins and minerals to ensure proper functioning of our bodies, as well on aid in cell growth and muscle repair. 

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are macronutrients used to provide energy to the body. Different types of carbohydrates exist, with some being healthful and others less than ideal for body. Whole grains such as wheat, oats, and quinoa are full of essential fiber and are preferred for their nutrient density and low-sugar content. Sugars, so other hand, are to be avoided, as they provide an energy boost without any more nutrients. 

Healthy fats

Fats are another form of energy, and not all fats are bad for us. Healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids are essential for proper brain and nervous system development. Omega 3s can be found in fatty fish and some types of nuts and seeds.

Proteins 

Proteins are necessary for creating muscle, and they’re also an important source of energy. High quality protein sources such as eggs and lean grass fed meats are important for muscle development and repair.

water

Finally, water is essential for life. Our bodies need water to transport nutrients and aid in digestion, among many other processes.

Making the right dietary choices can be daunting, but there are many resources available to help. For example, the USDA’s dietary guidelines list the dietary components and recommended amounts to maintain optimal health.