Optimum Nutrition Is Required for Optimum Health

1958 Words8 Pages
OPTIMUM NUTRITION IS NEEDED FOR OPTIMUM HEALTH Word Count: 1086 Optimum nutrition is the most important aspect of health and wellbeing for the human body as this is where we obtain our energy and structural requirements(Rolfes, Pinna, & Whitney, 2012, p.6). Without a balanced diet of micronutrients and macronutrients, basic functions required for metabolism cannot be met (Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand, 2005). The World Health Organization defines health as ‘Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity’ (World Health Organization, 2013). To achieve a state of health, the body requires energy to maintain metabolic processes such as growth and synthesis of new tissues, muscular activity and heat production. These functions are only possible with the consumption of carbohydrates, proteins and fats (Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand, 2005). Macronutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats and water must be consumed in large quantities to ensure metabolic processes are maintained, whereas micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals are only required in small amounts (Rolfes, Pinna, & Whitney, 2012, p.7). The requirements for these nutrients changes throughout the stages of life, therefore dietary requirements for each person may differ depending on age, gender, pregnancy and lactation (Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand, 2005). An adequate intake of macro and micro-nutrients plays a large role in the body’s immune system, so deficiencies in these vital substances can lead to impaired immunity (Marcos, Nova, & Montero, n.d.). Two important macro-nutrients will be discussed in this paper, protein and fats (Omega-6 and Omega-3). Protein which means ‘of prime importance’, is the main
Open Document