The Essential Elements in Proper Nutrition

While supplements are now available in many US and Canada drugs stores, experts still emphasize the importance of getting proper nutrition from foods. We can all agree that proper nutrition is vital to a healthy body. A lot of serious illnesses and chronic health problems that plague a huge number of people, as well as the rising cost of health care, can be avoided by knowing the essential elements of proper nutrition.

We are indeed what we eat and when we consume a lot of foods rich in sodium, cholesterol, trans fat, and refined sugar, our body gets lethargic and sick, and our brain undergoes chemical changes that clamor for more of these junk foods. This takes us down the road to an unhealthy lifestyle.

To stay in the pink of health, you should be familiar with the essential elements of proper nutrition which offer many healthful benefits. The primary components include:

Water. Our body is highly dependent on hydration as it is composed of almost 60 to 75 percent water. The daily recommended amount of 8 or more glasses of water helps maintain the body’s normal weight and prevents dehydration.

Vitamins and Minerals (Micronutrients). Our body relies on correct chemical balance for it to function properly. Vitamins and minerals found in fruits, vegetables and milk see to it that this proper balance is maintained.

Proteins. Proteins provide the body with essential amino acids which are building blocks needed for growth, repair and cell regeneration. A large mass of the body’s structural tissues is composed mostly of protein which is required by each single cell and bone for survival.

Carbohydrates. Carbohydrates provide the fiber and energy required for proper digestion. Almost half of the body’s energy requirement is supplied by fruits, vegetables and cereals and other carbohydrates-rich sources.

Fats. Fats are the source of the body’s energy and is essential to cardiovascular health, brain function and the immune system.

These elements are the foundation of healthy living. Balance is the key as too little or too much of these components can weaken the body’s defenses.