We all know that aproper nutritionis the key to healthy living. A correct diet is one that has all the nutrients needed by the body and in the proper amount. Therefore, eating in large quantities is not synonymous with healthy eating.
→ What is the function of food?
Foods are used by our body to carry out metabolism, help in the maintenance and growth of tissues, in addition to providing energy. It is noteworthy, however, that the functions performed by a given food depend on the nutrients it has.
To enjoy food, our body has the digestive system, which is responsible for breaking them into smaller portions to be used by the body. The portion of food that is used by the body is called a nutrient.
→ What are the existing nutrients?
Foods have different nutrients, which are generally classified into macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients are those that our bodies need in large amounts, while micronutrients are those that our bodies need very little.
You macronutrients they are:
Carbohydrates: nutrients that stand out for providing energy for the body;
Lipids: nutrients that serve as energy reserve, help to absorb some vitamins, in addition to protecting against mechanical shock and cold;
Proteins: essential nutrients for the growth and maintenance of body tissues.
You micronutrients they are:
Vitamins: nutrients related to the most diverse functions of the body, such as strengthening the immune system, tissue maintenance and carrying out metabolic processes.
mineral salts: nutrients that act in the most varied functions of the body, such as the constitution of bones and teeth, regulation of body fluids and composition of hormones.
→ Importance of food and nutrients for health
Foods have nutrients that favor the correct functioning of the body. Before the lack of some nutrients, the body can suffer serious consequences due to the interruption of some basic activity. That's why a healthy diet must contain all the necessary nutrients for our health to be guaranteed.
THE malnutritionit occurs when a person is deficient in some nutrient. It can be triggered by insufficient nutrition or other problems such as worms, anorexia, cancer, absorption problems, allergy or food intolerance.
Malnutrition can lead to physiological problems, which, in severe cases, can lead to the patient's death. Malnutrition is usually diagnosed due to lack of energy to perform tasks, anemia, growth problems, skin changes, among other signs and symptoms.
To highlight the need for healthy eating, we can mention some problems caused by the lack of vitamins in the body. Lack of vitamin A, for example, triggers vision problems such as night blindness, in which patients cannot see in poorly lit environments. already the lack of vitamin D can lead to bone failure.
To have a healthy body, it is important to have a healthy diet, with different food groups and in adequate amounts. To assist in the amount of food that should be eaten, the information can be used as a basis contained in the food pyramid, a resource that helps the population understand the daily needs of each nutrient.
→ How to have a healthy diet?
According to the Ministry of Health, 10 steps must be followed for healthy eating. Are they:
Eat at least three healthy meals and two healthy snacks a day;
Include six daily servings of the cereal and tubers group as potatoes and roots in your meals. Give preference to whole grains and foods in their most natural form;
Eat at least three servings of vegetables daily as part of meals and three servings or more of fruit in desserts and snacks daily;
Eat beans and rice every day or at least five times a week;
Consume daily three servings of milk and dairy products and one serving of meat, poultry, fish or eggs.;
Consume a maximum of one serving per day of vegetable oils, olive oil, butter or margarine;
Avoid processed soft drinks and juices, cakes, sweet and stuffed cookies, sweet desserts and other treats;
Decrease the amount of salt in the food and remove the salt shaker from the table. Avoid consuming processed foods with a lot of salt (sodium);
Drink at least two liters (six to eight glasses) of water a day;
Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day and avoid alcohol and smoking.
By Ma. Vanessa dos Santos
Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/saude/importancia-dos-alimentos-na-saude.htm