Nutrition and a Healthy Diet

 

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the United States Department of Human Services (HHS)

have set Dietary Guidelines for Americans. These guidelines are found in the Food Pyramid and are very important

to help you with food choices that will meet nutrient requirements, support active lifestyles and help to prevent disease.

Throughout history, food choices have always been influenced by: culture, family, friends, location, environment and beliefs.

In this new millennium many other factors influence our food choices: busy schedules, preparation time, stress, fast food, diets and individual health conscious eating practices. In order to stay healthy, we must consume a well-balanced diet that contains all the essential nutrients. We also must limit our intake of foods that can be harmful to us.

 

Eat a variety of different foods to get all the nutrients that your body requires to maintain good health.

Although foods contain nutrients, there is no one food that can provide all nutrients needed by the body.

Following the USDA Food Pyramid or the Mediterranean Food Pyramid will help you live healthier and longer.

 

Foods contain energy, nutrients and other components that affect your health.

 

There are six categories of nutrients:

  1. Carbohydrates
  2. Fats
  3. Proteins
  4. Minerals
  5. Vitamins
  6. Water

Additionally there is a substance called Fiber, it is necessary for healthy body functions.

Carbohydrates are the most important source of food energy in the well balanced diet.

They are found in such foods as grains, breads, cereals, beans and many fruits and vegetables.

Fats supply energy to the body in a concentrated form. They are necessary but too much fat is bad for your health.

Fats are classified as saturated, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated (these terms represent chemical differences in the composition of these fats).

�Saturated fats come from animals and are usually solid at room temperature. Animal products like meats, poultry, fish, eggs and some dairy products.

Polyunsaturated Fats are found in vegetable oils, corn oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil and cottonseed oil.

Monounsaturated Fats are found in olive oil and canola oil.

Both Polyunsaturated Fats and Monounsaturated Fats are usually liquid at room temperature.

Both Polyunsaturated Fats and Monounsaturated Fats are found in plants including whole grains, nuts and some fruits and vegetables.

Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is linked with heart disease. It is only found in animal products and high levels exist in eggs, butter, fatty meats and organ meats. The body can also manufacture it�s own cholesterol, so not all cholesterol is derived from foods. Nutritionists generally agree that you should keep your cholesterol intake as low as possible.

The unhealthiest fats for your body are Saturated Fats, (animal products and some dairy products) limit your intake.

The healthiest fats for your body are Monounsaturated Fats, (olive oil, canola oil and a few others)

These fats may help you live longer!

Proteins are known as the building blocks of the body. They are found in Meats, Fish, Soy products and other foods.

Milk and dairy products provide protein, vitamins and minerals and are a great source of calcium. Dry beans, eggs and nuts and soy products (tofu) also provide a great deal of protein.

 

The healthiest diets for good nutrition contain plenty of grains, fruits and vegetables. Consumption of breads, grains, rice, pasta, potatoes, corn and fruits and vegetables will help you to live longer. All of these foods provide plenty of vitamins and nutrients as well as helping to prevent some cancers and reduce the risk of heart disease.

 

Multi Vitamins should be taken daily since many foods do not contain enough vitamins and minerals to meet the recommended daily allowance (for most diets).

 

Water is the one thing our bodies require every day, many nutritionists recommend a minimum of 8 glasses of water a day. Water does help to clean the body and should be readily available for everyone.

 

A Well Balanced Diet will help you maintain good health, nutrition and healthy weight. Choose a diet that is

low in fat and cholesterol. Choose a diet that contains plenty of grains, fruits and vegetables. Use sugar and salt in moderation. Drink alcoholic beverages in moderation. Choose a good multi vitamin and drink plenty of water. Use the food pyramid as an outline to choose your daily diet. Live Longer!


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Please consult a doctor before changing your diet or lifestyle.

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