Nutrition: Tips to eating smartly

We all know that nutrition is key to good health, but we often don’t understand what this means. So, if you are wondering what is nutrition, you are not alone! Nutrition is defined as having a wholesome and healthy diet that contains essential nutrients. This is a critical part of your overall growth and development. With good nutrition, you can build a strong immune system and lower your risk of ill health. Read on to have a better insight on the importance of nutrition.

What is nutrition and what is the importance of nutrition?

If you are wondering what is nutrition, the answer is simple. When you study the different types of nutrients present in food and how effectively your body uses them, it is called nutrition. This branch of science helps you determine the link between your diet, disease and health. The importance of nutrition cannot be undermined as it is the main source of nourishment for your body. If your body does not get the right type of nutrition, you may develop certain health ailments.

What are essential nutrients?

Essential nutrients are vital for your body and can be divided into macronutrients and micronutrients. While macros are required in large quantities, your body requires micronutrients in lesser numbers. If you are wondering what are essential nutrients, you need to understand that there are six nutrients your body requires. Here is a list of essential nutrients:

• Carbohydrates
• Proteins
• Fats
• Vitamins
• Minerals

While carbohydrates, proteins and fats form macros, micros include vitamins and minerals. The main function of carbs is to provide energy to your body. Your body requires complex carbs to aid in digestion, improve brain function and boost your immune system.

Fats are essential as they help your body carry out different functions. It is vital to consume healthy fats and limit the consumption of saturated fats. Healthy fats reduce the risk of heart ailments and promotes blood clotting. Fats also aid in vitamin and mineral absorption while helping in the growth of cells.

Proteins are essential nutrients that help in development and growth of bones, skin, muscles and hair. These are called body building foods and provide fuel to cells and tissues whenever required.

Vitamins and minerals help in strengthening your teeth and bones. They are called protective foods as these boost your immune system. Vitamins also aid in calcium absorption, while minerals promote good bone health.

Here are the healthy sources of essential nutrients.

• Carbohydrates: Whole grains, rice
• Proteins: Chicken, lentils
• Fats: Unsaturated fats, nuts
• Vitamins: Green leafy vegetables, eggs
• Minerals: Bananas, spinach

Are you aware of the different types of nutrition?

There are main two different types of nutrition known as autotrophic and heterotrophic nutrition. When living beings prepare their own food, this is known as autotrophic nutrition. Plants prepare food in this way through the process of photosynthesis. In case an organism prepares food with the help of chemical reactions, it is known as chemotrophic nutrition. An example of a chemotroph includes sulphur bacteria. Organisms following heterotrophic nutrition are unable to produce food independently. These living beings need to depend on animals and plants for their food.

What is nutritional value?

The amount of nutrients like carbs, proteins, fats, minerals and vitamins present in food determines its nutritional value. It is necessary to know the nutritional value so you can understand if a particular food is nutritious and healthy. It also helps you assess how much energy is present in the food.

What is a nutritional deficiency?

It is important to eat a balanced diet containing essential nutrients in equal quantities. If your diet lacks any of the essential nutrients, it results in a nutritional deficiency. Some of the common nutritional deficiencies include:

• Iron deficiency
• Iodine deficiency
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Calcium deficiency
• Vitamin A deficiency
• Magnesium deficiency

Here is a list of 10 nutritional deficiency diseases that occur due to deficiency of macro and micronutrients:

• Deficiency of carbohydrates can cause ketoacidosis and hypoglycemia
• Deficiency of proteins will result in kwashiorkor and marasmus
• Deficiency of iodine causes hypothyroidism and goiter
• Deficiency of calcium results in osteoporosis and hypocalcemia
• Deficiency of vitamin B1 causes Beri Beri
• Deficiency of vitamin C results in scurvy

How can you improve your health with nutritional tips?

Follow these diet tips to boost your health:

• Limit the consumption of sugary drinks as these have zero nutritional value
• Consume nuts and seeds as these are packed with fiber and proteins
• Avoid eating processed foods as these can cause obesity and heart diseases
• Sleep properly
• Drink enough water
• Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits

Before having something to eat, ask yourself what is its nutritional value? The articles under this section will guide you towards making the right food choices. Read them to understand more about what foods suit different diseases or lifestyles. You can also use other resources offered on Bajaj Finserv Health to make better nutritional choices. You can book online appointments with renowned nutritionists and address your queries with ease. You can also

sign up for Aarogya Care health plans that offer free doctor consultations and lab test packages for better health.