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Nutrients and Their Role in the Body

Posted: October 16th 2008 By editor1       under: Food and Fitness    Tags: , , , , , ,

What we actually mean by perfect health, it is the state of having a smooth and healthy skin, supple body, a charming face, sparkling eyes and an efficient digestive tract. As a whole we can say perfect health is a feeling of absolute well being. More over it keeps you energetic throughout the day and also provide you with an active mind.

Perfect health can be attained only through a good diet. In order to achieve this state one should be peculiar in what he is eating. The foods which we consume should be rich in nutrients. Our body requires carbohydrates, fats, minerals, proteins, fats, vitamins, iron, calcium, salt etc in sufficient amount to keep us healthy.

The food can be primarily classified into four main categories.

  • Carbohydrates and fats
  • Proteins
  • Mineral Salts
  • Vitamins

Carbohydrates and fats provide the major portion of energy required by our body. The major part of energy is consumed for maintaining the correct body temperature. About 3/4th of the energy produced, itself is required for this purpose. The remaining energy is used by the muscles, both internal as well as external. Fats act as a shield which protects the organs from all kinds of injury and it also allows the storage of energy for future. However over consumption of these food items leads to over weight.

Proteins are vital for the body to build new cells and tissues. Proteins are also essential for the repair of worn out tissues as well as for the growth and development of muscles. They also aid in the manufacture of substances that help your body to resist diseases. People of all age group require protein, particularly during the period of childhood, adolescence, pregnancy and lactation; proteins will be required in large quantities. Proteins are abundant in food items such as eggs, meat, fish, milk, milk products, grains, beans, nuts etc.

Mineral salts is the another important component required by our body. Though they are present in very little quantity, they are essential for the corrective body functioning. There are various kinds of mineral salts, each of them carrying unique functions. Some of the mineral salts such as calcium, phosphorous etc are essential for the strong formation of bones and teeth. They are also essential for the effective functioning of the brain cells. Another important salt iron is required in larger quantities for women than men as they are vital in the production of hemoglobin. Only with the help of iron, blood can transport oxygen throughout the body.

Just like calcium, phosphorous and iron, iodine is also essential for the effective functioning of the body. The major portion of iodine is consumed by the thyroid glands for the production of thyroxin, which is essential for the regulation of body metabolism. Iodine also has a direct control over the growth rate of the body. Similarly salt is also essential for our body to maintain a balanced acid-base. However too much intake of salt lead to high blood pressure as well as swelling in the legs.

Vitamins are the last essential component in our category. Vitamins are broadly classified into two-fat soluble and water soluble vitamins. Just like other components vitamins are also vital for your body to function. Each vitamin ( A, B, C, D, E and K) have different role to function and their deficiency leads to deficiency diseases.

Right Method of Eating

Most of the digestive problems occur as a result of improper eating habits. So here are some of the useful tips about correct mode of eating.

  • Eating quickly hampers the secretion of digestive juices required for digestion. Therefore eat slowly.
  • Take only small mouthfuls.
  • Usually non-fried foods should be chewed at least thirty times and the fried items a bit longer.
  • Develop the habit of conversing while eating.
  • Remove all kind of sorrows and difficulties from your mind while going to eat. Tension and anger results in indigestion whereas calmness support digestion.

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