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Nutrition

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Nutrition is the branch of medicine that focuses on the connection between diet and health. Good nutrition leads to both good weight and good health.

The body needs six classes of nutrients in order to remain healthy. These are carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and water. A lack of any of these six groups of nutrients leads to health conditions such as scurvy, osteoporosis, goiter and a weak immune system. In fact, doctors consider good nutrition and exercise as being two of the most important factors of good health.

"Whole foods" are considered a hallmark of good nutrition. A diet high in whole foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables have been proven to be very important, and while studies comparing groups such as Sardinians, Okinawans and Adventists who ate whole foods versus a more traditionally western diet had greatly reduced incidences of heart disease and cancer.

Whole-grain cereals and breads are very important for good nutrition, as are fresh fruits and vegetables. To get the full nutritional value of fruits and vegetables, though, they must be served uncooked or steamed, and served with the skins still on them. Beans are also important in a whole-foods diet, and should be added to soups and salads.

Low-fat foods are also important for good nutrition. Less than 30 percent of calories in one's diet should be from fat.

Frying foods should be avoided in favor of broiling, roasting, baking, steaming, microwaving or boiling them. Seasoning foods should also be done with herbs and spices, rather than creamy sauces or butter.

Dairy products should also be reduced for a low-fat diet. Choose low-fat or skim milk, as well as low-fat yogurt and low-fat cottage cheese. Substitute either one of those two products in place of mayonnaise and sour cream. Cutting off the skin from poultry and cutting down on egg yolks also helps to reduce fat in the diet.

Reducing sugar is also an important part of nutrition. Avoid soda pop, and instead drink iced tea or water, and snack on fresh fruits and vegetables, instead of candy bars or baked goods such as cakes, cookies and pies.

One of the current areas of study in the field of nutrition is antioxidants. Free radical oxygen species are produced by cellular energy production, and may cause mutations such as tumors and cancer. Antioxidants are able to neutralize free radicals, and may be obtained through eating Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Vitamin K.

Always check with your doctor or physician before starting any nutrition or diet plan.