Nutrition science Essay Example

fatty acids are chains of carbon atoms, which are classified into saturated, monounsaturated, and polysaturated forms. Proteins play a vital role in the body by serving as building blocks for skin, cartilage, muscle, and hair. They also act as enzymes to speed up chemical reactions and function as hormones and antibodies for communication and defense against illnesses. Proteins are composed of amino acid units, with twenty amino acids needed by the body. While eleven amino acids can be produced by the body itself, the remaining nine are essential amino acids that must be obtained from food sources. Complete proteins containing all essential amino acids can be found in cheese, eggs, lean meat, fish,and milk.

Cereal grains, legumes, vegetables, and nuts are considered incomplete proteins due to their inadequate amounts of essential amino acids. Despite their small quantities, vitamins and minerals are vital for various bodily functions. Minerals are necessary for growth, tissue maintenance, regulation of body processes, and overall body structure. Key minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, chlorine, potassium,sodium,and sulfur have important roles to fulfill. Calcium is crucial for blood clotting and the promotion of bone and teeth health. Phosphorus can be found in cereals and meats whereas whole grain cereals,nuts,and lettuce serve as good sources of magnesium. Vitamins contribute to chemical reactions that convert food into energy and tissues. The body requires a total of 13 different vitamins.

The main vitamins, including A, B-1, B-2, B-12, C, D, E, and K are crucial for our health. Vitamin A is necessary for skin health and bone development and can be obtained from liver, green and yellow vegetables, and milk. Vitamin B-1 plays

a vital role in converting starches and sugars into energy and can be found in meat and whole grain cereals. On the other hand,Vitamin B-2 is needed for complex chemical reactions during food utilizationand can be sourced from milk, cheese, fish,liver,and green vegetables. Similarly,Vitamin B-12 is essential for red blood cell productionand a healthy nervous system with animal products like liver being rich in it.Another important vitamin is Vitamin C which maintains connective tissues such as ligamentsand tendons with fruitsand potatoesbeing good sources of it.Additionally,Vitamin D is necessaryfor calcium absorption found in milkand fish.AsforVitaminE,it helps maintain cell membranes obtainable from vegetable oils whole grain cereals meats fruitsand vegetables.Inaddition,Vitamin Kis importantforblood clotting purposes to be foundinlettuce.Insummary,maintaininga balanced dietis key tomaintaininggood healthas what we consume directly influencesourwell-being.

To prevent and recover from illnesses, maintaining a well-balanced diet is crucial. Nutritionists suggest including servings of vegetables, fruits, breads, cereals, rice, pasta, milk, yogurt, cheese, meat, poultry, fish,dried beans and peas,eggs,and nuts in your daily meals. It's important to be mindful of saturated fats and cholesterol as they can negatively impact blood cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease. Animal products are the main sources of saturated fats and dietary cholesterol. To reduce consumption of these substances,opt for lean meats,fish,poultry,and low-fat dairy products.In addition,it is advisable to limit sodiumand sugar intake because a high-sodium diet may increase the riskof developing high blood pressure.

There are various sources of sodium, such as fast food, junk/snack food, canned foods, and TV dinners. On the other hand, frozen foods generally have more sodium compared to fresh foods. Foods that have a high sugar content usually have high calories

and fat but low minerals, proteins, and vitamins. These types of foods are commonly known as "empty calorie" foods because they make you feel full without providing essential nutrients. The presence of sugars in these foods is harmful because it leads to tooth decay and cavities. Candies, pastries, and breakfast cereals are examples of foods that contain a lot of sugar.

Improper nutrition can cause illness, like heart disease. Heart disease involves the narrowing of coronary arteries and decreased blood flow to the heart, leading to chest pain and heart attacks. Elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels are the main factors contributing to this condition. Eating nutritious foods can aid in preventing heart disease. Another health issue is malnutrition, which happens when there is a lack or excess of necessary nutrients. This can result in significant weight loss, stunted growth, and weakened immune system. In severe cases, malnutrition can be fatal.