What Is The First Ingredient On The Food Pyramid?

In a sense, food is any substance eaten to provide the nutrients necessary for an organism to function normally. Generally, food is generally of plant, animal, or fungus origin, and has necessary nutrients, including vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, and minerals, which are vital for life. Foods provide most of the nourishment required by humans, other than water. Food may be categorized into dietary (food eaten by the body), medicinal, parenteral (taken to supply nutrients directly to the blood stream) and supplemental (drugs used to supplement diet).

Diet and nutrition are closely linked in that nutrition is the process by which foods help to build and repair health. There is much debate about the best dietary sources of nutrients and calories; the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) suggests that dietary fiber should make up 20% of the daily diet, and that protein should make up another 20%. The government also suggests that a combination of a healthy fat, protein, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy products, and a small amount of wine or alcoholic beverages completes the dietary needs of the average person. The American Heart Association emphasizes that the proper diet and nutrition is the first step in maintaining a healthy weight. It is recommended that people ages fifty and over eat at least six servings of fruit and/or vegetables per day, while decreasing caloric intake by one-half.

People who eat enough vitamin D are less likely to develop age-related diseases, such as osteoporosis, osteomalacia, rickets, age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and cancer. Vitamin D is found in fatty fish, certain types of milk, egg yolks, meat, mushrooms, fortified soy milk, green leafy vegetables, and fortified breakfast cereals. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, so it’s recommended that you eat enough vitamin D. Calcium is necessary for strong bones and teeth, so it’s recommended that you eat enough dairy products, too. If you’re trying to lose weight, take a close look at your nutrition – ask the experts for some expert advice on what kinds of foods help you lose weight and what foods are harmful.