eating, elements, food, healthy, muscle, nutrition, snacks, wellness - September 20, 2016

The Elements of Health and Nutrition

Protein

Protein supplies your body with the necessary amino acids needed to maintain healthy body tissue. While many of the amino acids that your body needs are produced within your body, there are some that can only be obtained from outside food sources, such as chicken or nuts.

Fat

Fat is another term that is often misunderstood. Many individuals view it as a nutrient that is detrimental to their health.

There are two main types of fat: omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids. While the over consumption of foods high in fat can lead to a number of negative health complications, the human body needs fat for a variety of different functions. An example of which includes storing and supplying energy throughout the body.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are responsible for supplying our bodies with energy. They are divided into two distinct classes: simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates.

Simple carbohydrates are mainly found in foods that contain sugars, and complex carbohydrates are found in potatoes, pasta and grains. Complex carbohydrates are the preferred source of carbohydrates as they contain less calories.

Fibre

Fibre is also a very important nutrient that few people take into consideration. They have a number of different digestive benefits.

Fibres are typically broken down into two classes: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fibres dissolve in water and have been proven to effectively lower cholesterol. Insoluble fibres are unable to dissolve in water and have been proven to improve the overall efficiency of the digestive system.

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins and minerals are not only necessary for the human body, but they are also responsible for many functions that take place within our bodies. They are imperative in the regulation of our metabolism and the maintaining of healthy cellular growth and functionality.

While several vitamins and minerals are produced within our bodies naturally, a large majority of them are not and can only be obtained through the consumption of nutritional foods. This makes it important to ensure that you are consuming a well balanced whole foods diet that is nutrient rich on a daily basis. You will ensure that you are providing the nutrients that the body requires to effectively perform the various bodily functions required to sustain life, ward off disease, and support a life that is filled with good health and wellness as a result.

In circumstances where you find it hard to consume healthy foods or you are looking to increase the level of nutrients that you are consuming, vitamin and mineral supplements are worth considering.