Eating right can make a big difference in how often you?re sick, how quickly you recover- even how long you live! Nutrition plays an important role in:
Maintaining general health. For example, good nutrition can help you to:
Maintain a healthy weight
Fight infection
Have good mental health
Preventing certain diseases
By eating well and exercising regularly, you may reduce your chances of:
Heart disease
Stroke (brain attack)
Certain types of cancer
Diabetes
Osteoporosis (fragile bones)
Everyone needs these 6 basic nutrients:
Water: accounts for about 2/3 of your body weight. It aids digestion, helps transport nutrients and wastes, helps regulate body temperature and does much more.
Good source: tap or bottled water, milk, juices, soup, nonalcoholic and caffeine-free drinks.
Protein: contains substances needed for the growth and repair of body cells. It helps make antibodies that fight infection and disease.
Good source: lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, dried peas and beans.
Carbohydrates: include starches and sugars. They are one of the main sources of energy (measured in calories) for the body.
Good source: whole-grain breads, potatoes, cereals, rice, pasta, vegetables, fruits, dried peas, and beans
Fats: provide energy and help in digestion and the use of certain vitamins. (however, too much fat ? especially saturated fat and trans fatty acids ? can be harmful.)
Good source: liquid vegetable oils, such as olive oil, peanut, canola, safflower and sunflower.
Vitamins: are essential for the proper use of food and normal body functioning. They?re important for bones, teeth, vision, and resistance to infection and much more.
Good source: fruits, vegetables, dairy products and whole grains
Minerals: provide materials for strong bones and teeth, and healthy blood and tissue. They help regulate body functions and fluid balance.
Good source: dairy products, green vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, poultry and some fruits.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Source
Author: Dots Rego
