Nutrition Zone

The science of different foods and its connections with the human health is known as nutrition. The nutrients are the chemicals present in the foods that are used by the body for growth, maintenance and energy. Nutrients cannot be produced by the body so they are derived from the diet and considered vital. The nutrients include vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, certain amino acids and fatty acids. Nutrients that the body can produce through other compounds, also derived from the diets are considered non-essential. The body needs great amount of macro nutrients but the micro nutrients are needed in smaller amounts.

Disorders or deficiencies of such nutrients may exhibit syndromes of kwashiorkor, pellagra or other disorders. Excessive consumptions of macro nutrients may end up in obesity and excessive consumption of micro nutrients could prove to be toxic.

Macro nutrients comprise the majority of the diets and provide energy as well as various significant nutrients. Carbohydrates, proteins including essential amino acids, fats including essential fatty acids, macro-minerals, and water are considered as macro nutrients, of which carbohydrates, fats and proteins are interchangeable as the energy resources. Fats give in 9 kcal / g = 37.8 kJ / g, proteins and carbohydrates give in 4 kcal / g = 16.8 kJ / g. Dietary carbohydrates are broken down into glucose and other mono-saccharine. The carbohydrates improves blood glucose levels and supply energy.

Nutritional disorders can develop various health problems, hence dietary nutritional values must be maintained for good health.

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