Eating is a necessary part of everyday life. Food satisfies hunger and also provides energy to the body. Without food, the body would be unable to complete essential activities such as breathing, walking and talking. The main food for the body is composed of carbohydrates.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are a main type of food. The body digests carbohydrates, and the liver breaks them down into glucose, also known as blood sugar, for energy. According to Medline, the body uses blood sugar as fuel for cells, organs and tissues. Carbohydrates come in two forms, simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates are found in sugar, dairy and fruit. Complex carbohydrates are found in whole grains, legumes and vegetables. Complex carbohydrates are excellent sources of fiber, which helps to lower cholesterol and prevent constipation.
Protein
Eating good sources of protein is important in achieving good health. Protein is essential to muscle maintenance. The Institute of Medicine recommends a minimum of 0.8 g of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. Lack of protein can cause loss of muscle mass, decreased immunity, slowed growth and even death. Some protein sources, known as complete proteins, contain all of the amino acids necessary to create new protein in the body. Animal proteins are typically good sources of complete protein. Incomplete proteins are missing one or more essential protein, making it difficult for the body to build additional proteins. Incomplete proteins are found in vegetables, nuts, grains and fruits.
Fat
Fat intake is an important part of a healthful diet. The type of fat intake can help to determine heart health. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, high intake of saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol increases the risk of unhealthy blood lipid levels, which may increase the risk of heart disease. It is recommended a person consumes less than 10 percent of calories from saturated fat and 300 mg/day or less of cholesterol and avoids trans fats whenever possible.
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins are organic substances found in plants or animals. Minerals are inorganic substances that can be found in the soil and are absorbed by plants. Both are important in helping the body grow. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states the best way to obtain enough vitamins is to eat a balanced diet with a variety of foods.
Healthy Weight
Good nutrition often promotes a healthy lifestyle. According to the CDC, the key to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is a lifestyle including good nutrition, regular physical activity and balancing calories in and calories burned.
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