Why Is Nutrition So Important?WHY IS NUTRITION SO IMPORTANT ?
This is the second part of my answer to the question "Why Is Nutrition So Important?". If you want to see the beginning of my answer or if you would like to ask another nutrition question, go to the previous page: To understand why nutrition actually is important, we will first go over what nutrition really is. Nutrition is simply the process of providing materials we need - in the form of food - to our body. This process is needed in order to make life possible. Just like you refuel your car or you recharge the battery of your cell phone, you also need to nourish your body, right? But still, why is nutrition so important? Apart from relieving you of hunger, there is much more to why nutrition is important. Energy All of us need energy. We need energy for every single move we make. Energy gives us the ability to function normally. Our energy is produced in our body only after the body is fed with food. The main form of energy in the human body is carbohydrates. These are complex compounds which break down to form simple consumable energy packs like for example glucose and fructose. 100% of the energy required by our body is provided by these compounds. The only carbohydrate source available in this world is the food we eat. So, nutrition is the only way we can get carbohydrates and keep our energy levels up. Raw Materials We also need raw materials like protein and fats so the body is able to take care of all the organs, our bones and muscles and repair anything needed. Water But guess what your body needs most of all? Water! And did you know that 20% of your water intake comes from the food you eat? The rest comes from what you drink. Water actually has a multi-role in our body. It is required by every cell and every organ. Water helps eliminate our bodies waste, and it keeps our body temperature regulated. Being hydrated is the key to peak performance during any type of physical exercise. Not drinking enough can make you feel tired or give you a headache.
Vitamins & Minerals There are many organic compounds essential in small amounts to maintain normal health and development. These are various types of vitamins and minerals. Usually they function as co-enzymes and catalysts by helping the chemical reactions in our body happen at a faster rate. Good nutrition provides enough of these "little helpers" and that is why good nutrition keeps us healthy and balanced. And that's why nutrition is so important! Above and beyond the basics – why is nutrition so important? Energy, raw materials, minerals and vitamins are not all the only good things you get by eating well. There are many other substances present in the food we eat that are responsible for our bodies health and well being too. For instance, there are phytochemicals or phytonutrients present in colorful fruits and vegetables, like for example apples, grapes, tomatoes, blueberries, cherries, strawberries and papaya. Many of these phytochemicals acts as antioxidants and prevent our largest organ - our skin - as well as the rest of our organs from aging too fast, from some cancers and even from the harmful rays of the sun. ---------------------------------------------------------------- FYI: The sun also has healthy rays important for our eys, and it also provides us with Vitamin D, so we should not avoid the sun thinking that its good for us. Stay in the sun at least 15 minutes every day, and the rest of the time you can use protective clothing or UV block if you like. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Malnutrition – If you don't eat well, there is a chance you could be undernourished. Even if you don't even notice it yourself. There has to be a balanced ratio between the different nutrients we consume.
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