Nutritional Value of Foods – What is Really Important?

The overall health of our body is dependent on certain nutrients like proteins, vitamins, and carbohydrates which are available through different types of foods or nutrients. 

A sufficient amount of proteins, carbohydrates, and other essential nutrients help build and repair the body tissues.

These are commonly known as macronutrients and are available through foods and nutrients. Each type of nutrient plays a specific role in the development of our body.

Below are the essential roles and a description of each nutrient.

Carbohydrates

It is an essential component of our body’s energy generation. Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of energy and it is normally preferred to get them from complex carbohydrates.

Foods like rice, cereal, and bread normally contain large amounts of complex carbohydrates.

These are basically sugars, starches, and fibers. You get them from foods like white bread, white rice, sweets, pasta, and the like. Carbohydrates are necessary for the body’s normal functioning.

Fats

There are two types, saturated and unsaturated. Unsaturated fats are generally considered to be healthy fats, and it is advised to limit the intake of saturated fats.

Proteins

Proteins are the building blocks of our body that are responsible for strengthening the cells. They are very important for our body’s growth. Protein ensures that body growth is constant and that the body keeps on growing to old age. 

Different types of proteins are considered to be complete, and the sources from which the body gets them are milk, eggs, meat, etc.

Proteins are considered to be the most important nutrients of our body and their deficiency could cause serious damages to the body. You get the protein from meat, eggs, milk, and dairy products.

Vitamins

These are a group of substances that are required by the body in small amounts. Vitamins are not considered to be a nutrient because they are not carbohydrates, fat, or protein, but they are considered to be a totally different category.

Vitamins are not synthesized by the body and are considered to be an essential nutrient.

Calories

Technically speaking… a calorie is the amount of heat required to increase the temperature of 1 kg of water through 1 degree Celsius.

So the basic idea is that you need a certain amount of calories to exist and have the energy to exert. 

We get all the energy we need for our body through the calories that we consume through the food that we eat and 80% of that intake is from carbohydrates.

Protein and fat do play a role in providing some of the energy but it is only a part of the total energy intake.

Our metabolism works and energy production is measured in calories, whereas fat and carbohydrates produce heat during the process of energy metabolism.

Learn to eat healthy and natural foods. Do not follow the latest food fad and constantly keep yourself informed about the nutritional values of the food choices you make.

Make a positive change in your lifestyle towards a more natural eating style. It’s not too late to start eating healthy and naturally nutritious food and drink.

Many of these products are available at your local supermarket. It’s just a matter of making a little effort at the start. 

You will benefit greatly from it especially if your children are also involved in the change. Like they say “you are what you eat”.

Author Bio:

Amelia-Lily Houghton is a content creator for Technical Writers. She is a qualified online content media manager who loves to interact with engaging content & multi-media. Certification: A* in media studies and further qualifications in health and fitness.