Nutrition
Nutrition is the relationship of foods to the health of the human body. The food we eat has a direct effect on our health and wellbeing, either positively or negatively. The basic function of food is to fuel our body, to give it the energy it needs to stay alive and perform daily tasks. Food can be broken down into the following groups:
- Carbohydrates - essential fuel for the body - half your daily energy intake should come from carbohydrate foods such as bread potatoes & rice. Not all carbohydrates are good for you so try to opt for unrefined natural food when possible i.e. brown rice and brown bread
- Protein - All 8 essential amino acids are found in meat and fish. Essential amino acids are those that the body cannot manufacture itself and must obtain from the diet. Red meat, fish and chicken are all good sources of protein and beans and lentils are good for vegetarians!
- Fat - Oils, fats and sweets should form a very small part of your diet unless they come from a natural source of fat such as avocados, seeds, olive oil or fish as these provide poly- and mono-unsaturated fats which are required by the body for many functions.
- Vitamins & Minerals - Fruit and vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals - they are also a great source of fibre and anti-oxidants. They can help maintain a healthy weight and are associated with a decreased risk of chronic disease such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, osteoporosis, and type II diabetes. Experts recommend that we eat 5 portions a day at least!!
The Food Pyramid is a visual guide to a healthy diet. You should eat more of the foods from the bottom two shelves of the pyramid, namely, breads, cereals, potatoes, fruit and vegetables, with smaller amounts of foods coming from milk, cheese, yoghurt, meat and alternatives. Choosing foods from each shelf of the Food Pyramid in the amounts suggested will provide a balance of energy, protein, vitamins and minerals each day.
Produced courtesy of the Health Promotion Unit, Department of Heath & Children
Good food choices mean a healthy, well functioning body. Poor nutrition is the result of consuming too little, too much, or the wrong kinds of food, on a regular basis
Nutrition can be the preventative medicine we need. Instead of treating an illness with antibiotics and other medicines, why not have our bodies so well nourished and our immune systems so effective that we don't get sick at all. Eat well, be well and enjoy a well functioning body, through sound nutritional practices!
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