Diet and Nutrition

Diet and nutrition are linked together. In order to have good nutrition, one must have a healthy diet. One of the foundations of diet and nutrition is to limit the intake of calories. Many people have a poor diet, and nutrition, simply because they eat more than is necessary in order to maintain their weight. This is the main reason for obesity in "developed" regions.

Another foundation of diet and nutrition is to observe the proper proportions of food. The United States Department of Agriculture puts out a food pyramid, which shows grains at the bottom, fruits and dairy products in the middle, meat above that, and junk food at the top. Good diet and nutrition means having a basis of grains, eating more fruits, vegetables and dairy products than meats and eating very little junk food.

Proper diet and nutrition also means eating less processed foods and more whole foods. Eating whole grains and whole wheat bread instead of white flour and white bread is a good start. Another important aspect of whole foods is eating fresh fruits and vegetables. Fresh fruits should be eaten uncooked if possible for the maximum benefit to diet and nutrition. If they must be cooked, steam them.Also avoid removing the skins of fruits and vegetables, as this is where most of the vitamins and nutrients are. Diet and nutrition in sports is not as different from regular diet and nutrition as it is portrayed to the general public. Many sports diets do not have an increased protein intake, although after sustained periods of exertion such as a marathon, a high protein and carbohydrate diet can speed recovery.

Antioxidants have recently been discovered, but are already considered an important part of diet and nutrition. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which are also known as radical oxygen species, which form as a side effect of cellular energy production. Antioxidant compounds may be taken in artificially, or they can be produced naturally with precursors such as Vitamin C, Vitamin K and Vitamin A. However, a number of antioxidants exist, so good diet and nutrition is essential to produce a variety of antioxidants that interact with free radicals to produce a byproduct less dangerous than the original free radical.

A part of diet and nutrition that has nothing to do with eating is exercise. A proper exercise program improves digestion and calorie consumption, enabling a person to more efficiently consume the food they eat.

Always check with your doctor or physician before starting any nutrition or Diet and Nutrition.