Nutrition is one of those words that are always thrown around in different ways, from doctors to nutritionists and celebrity trainers. Unfortunately, this often causes confusion for those who want to learn how to eat smart and keep themselves healthy. Sometimes all you need is a refresher course to educate yourself and help you make better informed decisions.

Without nutrition, we would cease to exist. Simply put, nutrition is the process in which we consume food and drink needed for growth, health and good condition. Nutrition is a three-step process that we participate in everyday. The first step involves us eating food or drinking liquids. Next, the body breaks the food down into nutrients. Lastly, the nutrients travel throughout the body by way of the bloodstream and are delivered to different parts of the body to serve various purposes.

In order for the nutrition process to work properly, we must provide our body with the following: fats, proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, and minerals.

Fat is often the culprit when it comes to weight gain but in reality, we cannot function without them. Fats, also known as “lipids,” act as storage bins to be used by the body when needed. Because fats are a compact form of fuel that can produce twice as much energy as carbohydrates, the human body is able to store fat for long periods of time and call on them when in short supply. Having lipids present help with growth and repair, insulation against the cold, and helps cushion the bones and internal organs.

Proteins are vital building blocks that are necessary for us to grow strong and healthy. Protein also aids with repairs and damages within the body. Antibodies, hormones, and enzymes are made of proteins and are responsible for the creation and production of new cells. Like fats, proteins also provide the body with energy.

We’ve all known about vitamins since childhood and as adults it is just as important to include the right amount of daily vitamins such as A, C, D and E. Vitamins act like workers in a factory. It is their job to make sure the body is properly receiving and using the energy released by fats, proteins and carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates are important when it comes to providing us with the energy needed to do everyday activities. Because our bodies burn carbohydrates all the time, it is vital to continue to consume carbs in order for us to function properly. Sugars and starches are the most commonly consumed forms of carbohydrates.

Because the human body cannot produce minerals, we must get them from other sources. Like vitamins, minerals play a large role in using necessary materials to aid growth and proper health. For example, the presence of minerals in the body is important in building and maintaining strong bones and teeth.

By knowing the necessary components of nutrition, it’ll be easier for you to know which foods you should be consuming and how to create the right diet for your body’s needs.

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