Nutrition Basics

Most people today find it almost impossible to find the time to shop and cook properly to obtain the right amounts of vitamins and minerals needed to maintain good health. Human bodies do not store most vitamins so it becomes necessary for humans to consume them regularly so as to avoid certain vitamin deficiencies that can occur when poor eating habits develop.

Nutrition is the process of obtaining those things that are needed for living organisms to develop, grow and survive.

The body requires certain amounts of specific nutrients from six categories: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. It is important to learn about which foods are considered healthy, how dietary supplements can help, and how to cook healthy foods.

Teaching children about good nutrition at a young age helps them develop a lifetime of healthy eating habits. Gardening offers a great opportunity for children to try new fruits and vegetables. Cutting down in junk food, artificial sweeteners, crisps and other packets of 'snacks' foods is the first step in the right direction. Sweets (candies, cookies, cakes, etc), particularly those with artificial flavorings, gelatins and artificial fruit or soda drinks are equally bad. These items only manage to contribute in calories but provide no important nutrients. Eventually the bodies need for protein, vitamins and minerals, will create a need to eat more and the path to obesity can begin.

Eating Right