The Importance of Nutrition in Human Health
All living organisms, from single-celled bacteria to multicellular humans, require energy to create and maintain their tissue structures. They obtain this energy in different ways. Some plants use solar energy to transform chemical elements from air, water, and soil into all the complex substances they need. Some of these substances are directly used for tissue formation, while others are stored as energy reserves when light is unavailable. Not all plants can synthesize every necessary substance; some depend on other plants or organisms to obtain certain organic compounds.
Animals, including humans, cannot directly use solar energy or synthesize all their tissue structures from basic elements. They rely on their diet to obtain the essential organic and inorganic compounds needed for energy and structural materials. The human body requires about fifty of these compounds in various amounts and proportions, extracting energy and synthesizing other compounds from them.
Generally, the chemical composition of human body tissues differs from that of the plants and animals we consume as food. The body must break down these foods into simpler substances that can provide energy or be restructured into human-specific materials. In animals, this breakdown process is called digestion and occurs in the digestive system, including the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, and intestines. Food preparation techniques, such as fermentation and cooking, influence digestion in various ways. For example, cooking is necessary to make some nutrients in potatoes accessible but is not essential for many other vegetables. Cooking can enhance food digestibility or destroy nutrients, depending on what is cooked, how, and for how long.
Functions of Essential Nutrients
Each nutrient plays multiple roles in the body. While the first signs of a deficiency may appear in a single organ or system, the entire body is actually affected. When an essential nutrient is lacking, tissues break down to compensate, allowing survival for a period but at the cost of overall health.
The Importance of a Balanced Diet
Every bodily function relies on a combination of nutrients, and a deficiency in even one can cause issues. For example, red blood cell production requires iron, copper, cobalt, fats, carbohydrates, proteins, and various vitamins. A deficiency in any of these elements can lead to anemia. To maintain optimal health, all essential nutrients must be consumed in the right amounts.
At GoalValor, we understand the importance of balanced nutrition for overall well-being. Our health professionals, including nutritionists and dietitians, are ready to help you develop a personalized nutrition plan to ensure you get all the essential nutrients needed to stay healthy and energized.
Source: The Fundamentals of Health - P.M. INSEL & W.T. ROTH
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