Wednesday, April 4, 2007

The Importance Of Nutrition For Your Overall Physical And Mental Health

Understanding nutrition as one of the key factors in health.

Scientific evidence is very clear about this: we can definitely
manage our own health through the things we daily eat.

Did you know that scientists are actually looking into ways of
protecting astronauts from radiation by means of dietary
supplements? Radiation hazards in outer space present an
enormous danger for the safety of astronauts, it causes the
formation of free radicals. Through a special nutrition however
astronauts are able to counter the effects of these free
radicals.

The same principle applies to us `normal' humans. Free radicals
are forming all over our body due to all kinds of environmental
attacks. It is a good thing that nowadays more and more people
take notice and change the way they live in order to embrace
the benefits of a healthy nutrition and exercise.

If a healthy body and mind is what you want, understanding
nutrition is of the utmost importance. In its infinite wisdom
nature has provided us with everything one needs to promote
growth, immune system, mental alertness, physical strength and
so on. Without a basic understanding about nutrition it will be
very difficult, if not impossible to establish a diet which
includes the necessary elements the body needs.

What exactly does understanding nutrition involve?

Quite simply put: everything you ingest has an influence on
your body. So you have to make sure that what you eat contains
those elements your body needs. What your body needs are
carbohydrates, fat, protein and last but certainly not least
water. The amount in which each of these elements is consumed
influences greatly the way you feel, react and age

1. Carbohydrates – this is the number one energy source of the
body. Our liver and the muscles of our body need a sufficient
intake of carbohydrates in order to maintain good health. You
can find two major types of carbohydrates ( or carbs as some
people prefer to call them):

-simple carbohydrates, which are predominantly of a sweet
nature (eg. fructose, sucrose, glucose, etc) and

-complex carbohydrates, which are based on starch (and can be
found in corn, brown rice, wheat, etc).

2. Fat – must be taken in the required amount in order for it
to moderate the metabolism and protect vital organs. Too much
fat in your daily nutrition has the opposite effect however.
The two major fats are

-cholesterol : you can get cholesterol from seafood, eggs,
dairy products and meat.

- Triglycerides: saturated, poly-saturated and mono-saturated
fats, they have an influence on your weight and heart function.

3. Protein – Witout protein the body cannot grow or repair
itself. The non-essential amino-acids are manufactured by the
body itself ( hence the term non-essential, the body can
provide its own ) while the essential amino-acids would have to
be introduced into the body by consuming the right foods.

4. Water – the body needs a lot of water: at least eight
glasses every day. This amount helps the body to expel toxins,
fight dehydration, prevent heat stroke, moderate body
temperature, digestion and so many other functions. We all know
humans can stay without food up to three weeks; however, they
will perish without water in as little as 48 hours.

The right sort of wall balanced nutrition contributes directly
to the health of individuals and communities. Clinical research
as well as evidence collected through laboratory tests and field
work support the importance of concept to the practice of
clinical medicine, dentistry, and public health.

About The Author: Frank Rom runs and operates a natural vitamin
supplements | herbal supplements | nutritional information site.
For nutritional information you should stop at
http://www.nutrition-103.com



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