Diet and Nutrition
Definitions
Food is any substance
consumed to provide structural
support and energy to an organism.
Nutrition is the biochemical and physiological process by
which an organism uses
food to
support its life
Introduction
Food is usually of plant, animal, or sometimes
mineral origin, and contains essential nutrients, such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, or minerals
and water. The substance is to be ingested by an organism and assimilated by the organism's cells to provide energy, maintain life, or stimulate growth.
It can be raw, processed or
formulated and is consumed orally by humans for growth, health or pleasure.
Food whether animal or plant origin is mainly composed of following-
·
Water
·
Lipids
·
Proteins
·
Minerals e.g. salts
·
Organic substances
e.g. poly phenols, vitamins and fibres.
Water is found in many foods and
has been defined as a food by itself. Water and fiber have low energy densities, or calories, while fat is the most energy dense component. Some
inorganic elements are also essential for cell functioning. Food
provides organisms with nutrients, which can be metabolized to create energy and chemical structures.
Normal
Diet
In general terms, an adequate normal diet for an
average person is one which permits normal growth, maintenance of body
processes and energy production. There are some essential constituents of a
normal diet which a person’s daily diet must contain. The following six items which
are essential, have been divided into two groups depending upon the quantity
required-
Macronutrients
·
Proteins
·
Fats
·
Carbohydrates
Micronutrients
·
Vitamins
·
Minerals
·
Water
The first three are for energy
production, growth and maintenance of tissues, and the last three are essential
for chemical mechanisms, i.e., for the utilization of energy, synthesis of
various necessary metabolites, enzymes, hormones, etc.
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