Proper Nutrition – Disease Prevention

Proper nutritional diet plays an important role in human’s health and well-being. We cannot deny the significance of nutritious diet through-out the entire life-cycle. Quality nutrition in terms of type and amount is the foundation of good health. Diet experts and physicians emphasize the significance of healthy diet in improving overall human health. An adequate diet that offers all necessary micronutrients not only contribute in promoting healthy life style but also reduce the risk of chronic diseases like type II diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular problems and manymore.

Various studies reveal that almost 50% of hospitalized patients suffer from lack of micronutrients. There is a strong connection between the prevention, treatment and management of the disease and disability. So it is important to know the basics of nutritional diet that everyone needs to have for leading a healthy lifestyle.

Classification of Necessary Nutrients

Nutrients are categorized into six major categories:

• Proteins
• Carbohydrates
• Fats
• Vitamins
• Mineral
• Water  

Carbohydrates, proteins and fats are known as energy-yielding and tissue-building macronutrients, whereas the vitamins and minerals are grouped as micronutrients.

Now let’s discuss each of them individually:

CARBOHYDRATES

Carbohydrates contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen when merged together to form tiny molecules like monosaccharides and disaccharides which are actually sugars and large polysaccharide molecules.

FATS

Fats are comprised of oils which contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen but the proportion of oxygen is much less as compared to that present in carbohydrates. Food fats are generally present in the form of triglycerides, a compound mainly comprised of fatty acids esterified to a glycerol base. It is accumulated in the adipose tissues of the body and discharges free fatty acids into the blood circulation when hydrolyzed by enzymes.

PROTEINS

Proteins consist of the chain of amino acids connected together to form high molecular weight compounds along with carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Amino acids are related to a particular arrangement to make peptide chains that are more related to form specific proteins.

VITAMINS

Vitamins are basically organic compounds which work as coenzymes and are involved in enzymatic responses included in the formation of energy and the cells generation. These responses are essential for the well-being and health of body tissues.

MINERALS

Minerals are the inorganic compounds that play their role in enzymatic reactions within the body. The minerals are involved in energy formation and tissue structuring and also aid in strengthening components of bone and other body tissues.

WATER

Water is not only highly significant for body day to day body processes, it is also for numerous biochemical reactions in the body which include production of energy and tissue formation.

Proper nutritional diet is of extreme importance for a person’s overall health.