What is nutrition…
Nutrition is the study of how food and drink affects our bodies with a special regard to the essential nutrients necessary to support human health. It looks at the physiological and biochemical processes involved in nourishment and how substances in food provide energy or are converted into body tissues. These nutrients which are the source of energy for our bodies are classed as: carbohydrates, fats, fiber, minerals, proteins, vitamins, and water. Good nutrition means obtaining the right amount of nutrients from healthy foods in the right combinations. An important part of the study of nutrition is looking at the diseases that can result from malnutrition and the role food plays in the development of chronic disease.
Poor nutrition can lead to a lack of energy, digestive problems, food allergies, weight gain, depression and anxiety as well as many of today’s most prevalent chronic diseases like coronary heart disease, cancer, ADHA. Having nutritional knowledge and making informed choices about the foods you eat can help you achieve optimum health over your lifetime.
Nutrition is also about why we choose to eat the food we do, even when we know they may not be good for us. What is going on at a cellular level and how does that effect what we crave and set up food cycles that are unhealthy or damaging. Nutritionist advise people on what to eat and how to modify their diet so they can maintain or restore optimal health or to help relieve ill health and combat disease.
There is almost daily advice in the media on what to eat and what not to eat (and drink), most of it is confusing and contradictory. Celebrity chefs and fine dining have continued to grow in popularity. As have food fads and quick win diets. Food is a subject close to everyone’s heart (and stomach!) and more and more people are realizing what you eat can affect your short term, as well as your long term health.