Nutriment, that part of food, which nourishes the body, consists of micro- and macro-nutrients. Micronutrients include vitamins and some elements. They are essential for good health. Vitamins are classified as fat-soluble (A, D, E and K) or water-soluble (B group and C). Many elements present in food are essential for health; for example, such as calcium and phosphorus. Trace elements such as iron, zinc and iodine occur in much smaller concentrations. Carbohydrates, fats and proteins are macronutrients and upon digestion, yield glucose and other monosaccharides, fatty acids, glycerol, peptides and amino acids. Macronutrients are interchangeable sources of energy; fat produces 9 kcal/gm, protein or carbohydrate produce 4 kcal/gm. The polyunsaturated fatty acids Linoleic, Linolenic,and Arachidonic are termed Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) and, unlike all other lipids, must be provided by the diet. The EFA are precursors of prostaglandins and vitamin B6 is involved in their metabolism. Dietary requirements depend on age, sex, height, weight and activity (metabolic and physical). The objective of a proper diet is to achieve and maintain the desirable body composition. In adults, as a crude indication of nutritional status, Body Mass Index (BMI), is used increasingly. It consists of wgt/hgt2; expressed in kg and m. W/H2 > 30 = Obesity; 25 - 30 = Overweight; < 25 = Normal weight. PREDOMINANCE OF UPPER BODY (ANDROID) FAT DISTRIBUTION IN BOTH MEN AND WOMEN, AS OPPOSED TO LOWER (GYNECOID) DISTRIBUTION, PREDISPOSES TO CARDIO- AND CEREBROVASCULAR DISEASE, HYPERTENSION AND DIABETES MELLITUS! - courtesy The Merck Manual, 16th edition.
(1) 12 Reasons to Develop a Regular Eating Routine
Get a taste for eating smart and moving more: Get NutriFacts - courtesy NC Net Program from Eat Right Montana
(2) 12 Ways to Create a Healthful Eating Style
Get NutriFacts on Healthful Eating Style - courtesy NC Net Program from Eat Right Montana
(3) The Seven Cs of Successful Change
Taking charge of your health and your life: Get NutriFacts- courtesy Regents of the University of California
(4) From A to Zinc
Know all you need to know on vitamins from A to Z: Get NutriFacts- courtesy the Regents of the University of California
(5)The Art of Eating Smart
"One of the best ways to ensure you are receiving all the essential nutrients your body requires is to make smart choices from every group. Find balance between food and physical activity and get the most nutrition out of your calories": Get NutriFacts- courtesy the Regent of the University of California
(6) Be a Protein Pro
Proteins are very important components of the body; they are involved in many aspects of body function: Get NutriFacts- courtesy the Regents of the University California
(7) Calories Count
Are you interested in finding out more about calories. Find more information here: Get NutriFacts - courtesy the Regent of the University of California
(8) The Complexities of Carbs
"Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for your body. There are two types of carbohydrates: Simple amd Complex"; get the facts: Get NutriFacts- courtesy the Regent of the University of California
(9) Drink to Your Health
A several glasses of water (H2O) a day is very important for the proper functioning of the body's metabolic systems. In general terms, an average person (approx. 70 Kg) requirers about 2 - 3 liters of water per day; however, most individuals do not drink the required amount. For more information: Get NutriFacts- courtesy the Regent of the University of California
(10) Eating Disorders
"At any given time, 10% or more of high school and college students report symptoms of eating disorders. Many more experience some degree of distress related to eating and weight. The most common eating disorders include: Anorexia Nervosa (self starvation), Bulimia Nervosa (binging & purging), binge eating disorder". Get NutriFacts for more information - courtesy the Regent of the University of California
"Heart attacks and strokes are leading causes of death in the United States. They are frequently the result of atherosclerosis - the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of cholesterol in the blood" Get NutriFacts- courtesy the Regent of the University of California
(12) Get Stimulated About Caffeine
Caffeine is a very popular ingredient found in many common every day drinks: sodas and coffee; Get the facts on caffeine: Get NutriFacts- courtesy the Regent of the University of California
(13) Getting Physical
The best way to start and maintain a proper diet is by including physical exercises as part of the regime. Learn more from: Get NutriFacts- courtesy the Regent of the University of California
(14) Nutrition Myths 101
"Many misperceptions exist within the field of nutrition. Become a critical consumer, read food labels and learn about some common nutrition myths". Get the Facts, Get NutriFacts - courtesy the Regent of the University of California
(15) Pumping The Iron
"Iron deficiency is a significant health problem which affects many women and children. It is the most common nutrient deficiency in the United States" Get NutriFacts- courtesy the Regent of the University of California
(16) Read The Label
"In 1990, the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act was signed into Law...." For more info, Get NutriFacts- courtesy the Regent of the University of California
(17) Shake (KICK) The Sodium Habit
For the GOOD of your Heart and Blood Pressure, we strongly advise that you KICK the BAD Sodium habit; get the facts: Get NutriFacts- courtesy the Regent of the University of California
(18) Stop The Stress
Stress (limited) is psrt of life, a little stress is good to keep the body and soul functioning up to mark; however, too much and persistent stress is bad for your health; read more about stress in: Get NutriFacts- courtesy the Regent of the University of California
(19) What Food Additives Add
There are limited nutritional value in food additives; additives are important in impoving taste and longer shelve life for the vast majority of products; read more about it: Get NutriFacts - courtesy the Regent of the University of California