Nutrition essentials: Types of nutrition and their importance

There is no life without proper nourishment and nutrition. Nutrition is converting the food you eat into energy and other vitals essential for your regular functioning. So, knowing about nutrients can be the best thing you can do for yourself. This knowledge about the types of nutrition promises you a long, healthy, and joyful life.

Importance

Nutrients are important for the following reasons-

1. It helps in the speedy recovery of the body from any kind of illness or disease.

2. It makes repairing and healing any kind of wound smooth and fast.

3. It protects the body from diseases.

4. It causes the production of enzymes and hormones that ensure the body's regular functioning.

Types of nutrition

The different types of nutrition are as follows-

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the body's energy producers. They provide immediate energy in the form of glucose and store energy. They aid in digestion and contribute to a healthy heart. They also act as fuel for the brain, nervous system, and kidneys. To get a sufficient amount of carbohydrates, you could consume potatoes, bread, beans, milk, cereals, and rice.

Fats

Fats help produce hormones, keep cholesterol and blood pressure in check, and provide energy to the body. They also support the cells' normal functioning. To get your share of fat, you could consume eggs, yoghurt, dark chocolate, avocado, nuts, and chia seeds.

Proteins

Proteins make hormones and enzymes and are the most important for building and repairing bones and muscles. Along with carbohydrates and fats, proteins are also major energy providers. Proteins are made up of amino acids. Good sources of proteins are eggs, dairy, chicken, chickpeas, cottage cheese, nuts, soya and seafood.

Minerals

Minerals perform a lot of functions in your body. They are responsible for enzyme and hormone production, regulating the water balance, it ensuring your teeth and bones are healthy and strong. Minerals include iron, magnesium, iodine, manganese, sodium, calcium, copper, phosphorus, zinc and potassium. Each of these minerals has its functions to perform. While one helps form blood cells, the other ensures the proper functioning of the brain. Some focus on nerve impulses, blood clotting, and even transporting oxygen.

Vitamins

Vitamins provide cells and organs with much-needed direction to function normally. They also ensure proper growth and development happen on time, wound healing is fast enough, and the overall immune system fights infection. There are several types of vitamins, like vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K. Each vitamin has its dietary requirement, but having a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, lentils, nuts, and dairy products will ensure these vitamins are absorbed.

Conclusion

The above-mentioned types of nutrition are the reason you are alive and breathing. Going forward, let this knowledge empower you to make healthier choices. Start with planning your meals. Show gratitude when you consciously eat what fuels your soul, not your cravings. Food can be a blessing and a bane; make sure it is always the former for you!