Nutrutional Awareness

Subject: Nutrutional Awareness Sat Nov 21, 2009 4:22 pm

Factors that influence what we eat:

Flavor or Taste (the most important consideration)
Cost, Convenience, and Nutrition
Demographics
Health
Social and Emotional Influences
Environmental Concerns

Nutrition is a science; a young science in comparison to other sciences. Nutrients are the nourishing substances in food that provide energy and addition,nutrients aid in regulating body processes, such as heart rate and digestion and in supporting the body's optimal health. There are about 50 nutrients that can be arranged into six classes:

Carbohydrates-A large class of nutrients, including sugars,starch and fibers, that function as the Boy's/Girl's primary source of energy.
Fats (lipids) -A group of fatty substances, including triglycerides and cholesterol, that are soluble in fat, not water, and that provide a rich source of energy and structure to cells.
Proteins-Major structural parts of the body's cells that are made of nitrogen-containing amino acids assembled in chains; perform other functions as well particulary rich in animal foods.
Vitamins-Non-caloric, organic nutrients found in a wide variety of foods that are essential in small quantities to regulate body processes, maintain the body, and allow grown and reproduction.
Minerals-Non-caloric, inorganic chemical substances found in a wide variety of foods; needed to regulate body processes, maintain the body, and allow growth and reproduction.
Water-Almost all body cells need and depend on water to perform thier functions. Water serves as a medium for many metabolic reactions. Water carries nutrients to the cells and the carries away waste materials to the kidneys and out of the body in urine

A nutritious diet has four characteristics:

Adequate-provides enough calories, essential nutrients, and fiber to keep you healthy.
Moderate-avoids taking in excessive amounts of calories or eating more of one food or food group than is recommended.
Balanced-eating a balanced diet means eating more servings of nutrient-dense foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables and fewer foods such as cakes, cookies, and chips.
Varoed-you need to eat a wide selection of foods to get a Variety of necessary nutrients.