Why is Nutrition Important?
We all know that nutrition is important for us. But do we ever try to know why is nutrition important? Nutrition is important for everyone because food gives our bodies the nutrients they need to stay healthy, grow, and work properly. The answer to the question why is nutrition important is given in the following paragraphs. Nutrition is often seen as a combination of some of our most important basic necessities that is food and water. Foods are made up of six classes of nutrients. Good nutrition means getting enough macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients contain proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Micronutrients include vitamins, water and minerals. Each of these nutrients has its own special role in the body:
- Protein builds muscles and a strong immune system. It is the one of the most abundant type of nutrient found in our body. It builds new tissues and repairs damaged cells. It is also needed for the formation of hormones and enzymes which play variety of roles in our body such as metabolism and sexual development.
- Carbohydrates give you energy. The main function of carbohydrates is to supply the body with energy and for the formation of cellular constituent. A lack in carbohydrates can lead to the production of ketones in the body which later results into a condition known as ketosis. Your daily carbohydrate intake should be around 60 percent of your food intake from your carbohydrates food.
- Fat gives you extra energy. Fat is not always there to make you fat, it helps correct the usage of fat soluble vitamins like vitamin A, D, E and K. It also insulates our bodies by giving us protection from sudden changes in temperature and at the same time protects our vital organs.
- Vitamins regulate body processes. It plays an important role to make our body function properly. It keeps your cells working properly, but will not prevent weight loss.
- Water gives cells shape and acts as a medium where body processes can occur. It is the well known yet most important nutrient our body needs. It is also the most abundant type of liquid found in our body contributing 70% of our total mass. It helps to dissolve and carry the essential nutrients to all parts of the body. It is also needed to help maintain the body temperature and aids to carry away the body's waste products.
- Minerals regulate body processes and also make up body tissues. It also keeps your cells working properly, but will not prevent weight loss.
A normal human being should consume most of the nutrients listed above and be part of their habit. It is also important to maintain a balance diet in consuming of foods that we eat. Poor eating patterns early in childhood can be a cause some diet-related illnesses in later life, so it is essential that a healthy eating pattern be established as early as possible. In our fast moving society, many parents prefer packaged foods to cooking fresh meals. But studies shows that many of these meals mislead in nutritional value loaded with sugar and fat. Eating more sugar in the diet means consuming the lowest levels of many vitamins and minerals. So in order to grow it is essential that the human body receives a fair amount of nourishment. Depending upon the activities the individual is engaged in, the kind and the amount of nourishment is required. Nourishment is also a prime requirement to maintain one's health and keep oneself away from illness. The body ensures that the nutrients that are present in the food we consume are equally distributed to the various parts of the body. If there were no nourishment, the regular bodily functions will be altered which would lead to an increased susceptibility to illness.
Having good nutrition means eating the right types of foods in the right amounts so you get important nutrients. There are no special diets, or particular foods, that will boost your immune system. But there are things you can do to keep your immunity up. For example if you are underweight or you have advanced disease you should include more protein as well as extra calories in the form of carbohydrates and fats in your diet.
Besides this Optimal nutrition can provide the competitive advantage to athletes. In addition to genetics and proper training, the proper diet can delay Fatigue, decrease recovery time, prevent injuries & chronic disease and enhance overall performance, including endurance and speed. For all the above reasons nutrition is important.