Nutrition begins with food. Nutrition is the process by which the body nourishes itself by transforming food into energy and body tissue. Food and nutrition in Europe studies everything that the human body uses food to perform its functions. Food provides the basic substances called nutrients. The body needs these nutrients to help it generate energy; to grow, repair and maintain its tissues; and to keep different systems running smoothly. Nutrition is important to all living things. However, this article will focus on nutrition as it applies to the human body.
The word nutrition can also refer to a person’s food choices or the quality of their diet. A balanced diet means that the food you eat often can provide enough nutrition. A balanced diet has many advantages. It can help people feel and look the best. It can also help them stay energetic and healthy in the short term and later in life.
The most basic need of the body is energy. Energy in food is measured in kilocalories (usually abbreviated as “calories”). 1 kcal is the heat energy required to raise the temperature of 1 kg (2.2 lb) of water by 1 ° C (1.8 ° f) (more precisely, the energy required to raise the water temperature from 14.5 ° C to 15.5 ° C at one atmospheric pressure).
Three main nutrients provide energy or calories to the body: carbohydrates, protein and fat. One gram (0.035 ounces) of carbohydrate or protein can provide four calories. Fat is a more concentrated source of energy, providing 9 calories per gram. Water, vitamins and minerals do not provide energy by themselves, although the body uses many of them in the process of energy release.
The body needs energy from food to do everything from blinking to racing. It also needs energy to perform basic functions such as breathing, maintaining body temperature, growing new cells, and even digesting food. The amount of calories you need per day depends on many factors, including a person’s age, gender, weight, and especially the amount of activity. For example, a woman weighing about 120 pounds (55 kg) may burn 1850 calories when she is sedentary and more than 3000 calories when she is very active.
If a person eats more food than the body needs, the excess calories will eventually turn into fat, a kind of stored energy mainly in adipose tissue. This can lead to weight gain. Over time, eating too little can lead to weight loss because the body has to use stored fat to provide energy. A pound (0.5 kg) of adipose tissue is equivalent to about 3500 calories.
Keeping a healthy weight is a balanced behavior. Food provides energy and physical activity consumes energy. If it’s wise to lose weight, experts recommend reducing your daily calorie intake and increasing it
Nutrients are mainly divided into six categories: carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals and water. Each nutrient plays a specific role in maintaining good health. All the nutrients together contribute to good health.
