Optimum Nutrition Is Needed for Optimum Health

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Optimum nutrition is a very important aspect needed to enhance optimum health. Nutrition is often controversial, and at times misleading through false advertising and conflicts of interest amongst policy makers. There are many factors that influence a persons overall health. This essay aims to highlight the significance of eating a healthy balanced diet, as well as looking at other factors that may contribute to ones lack of health. The definition of nutrition is the “basic physical resources necessary for energy production, growth, reproduction and the proper functioning of tissue and organs” (Webster-Gandy, Madden & Holdsworth 2012, p.2). The body’s requirements are met by the foods we eat; through the macronutrients and micronutrients we ingest and from the water we drink. Macronutrients are required in large quantities by the body and comprise of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids (fats) whilst the body requires fewer micronutrients that include vitamins and minerals (Rolfes, Pinna & Whitney 2012, p.3). All of these nutrients are key to helping the body move toward optimum health. Lipids and carbohydrates allow fuel to be utilised as energy, whilst proteins help maintain cells by growing and repairing them (Rolfes, Pinna & Whitney 2012, p.9). Essential vitamins are those that the body requires but must gain them from food and help release energy from protein, lipids and carbohydrates (Rolfes, Pinna & Whitney 2012, p.10). Whilst minerals are utilised by the body to put structures together such as teeth and bones and water is essential to carrying waste away and for the transportation of minerals (Rolfes, Pinna & Whitney 2012, p.11). However, people require differing amounts of these nutrients throughout their life cycle and are also dependent on gender, age, lactation and pregnancy (National Health and Medical Research Council 2014).

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