24 Mar 2019
Nutrition: you become what you eat;
Nutrition: you become what you eat!
Nutrition is the study of nutrients in food, how the body uses nutrients, and the relationship between diet, health, and disease (Nordqvist). According to WHO, it is the intake of food, considered in relation to the body’s dietary needs (World Health Organization). It is however impossible to make a fix ration for everyone; because different individuals such as infants, elderly and persons leaving with chronic diseases have varying nutritional needs. Therefore, nutritional needs are personalized to meets individual physiological needs.
Nutrients are broadly classified into two i.e. Macro- and Micro-nutrients. Macronutrients (needed in relatively large quantities) includes carbohydrate, protein, fat and water. The two types of micronutrients (needed in relatively small quantities) are vitamins and minerals, which are extra molecules that cells need to make energy. (Robb) All they classes of nutrients are put together in varying proportions to meet specific need of an individual called “balanced diet”. Usually, all the vitamins and minerals you need are in a well-balanced diet (National Kidney Foundation).
Eating a balanced diet is an important part of good health for everyone, this is because the kind and amount of food an individual eats will in the long run affects the way they feel and how their body works (National Kidney Foundation). Simply put, we become what we eat. Lack of access to highly nutritious foods, especially in the present context of rising food prices, is a common cause of malnutrition (World Health Organization).
Just like many people out there, you are concerned about how to ensure a healthy diet? It’s simple and requires you to eat a variety of foods from each group, stay within the recommended servings and choose foods low in fat and sugar. Also choose and prepare foods that are low in salt and above all, learn to read and understand food contents, preparation and labels (National Kidney Foundation).
We must always remember that been Christians do not in any way annul the importance of understanding and applying the science of nutrition; rather it defines such knowledge as valuable and keeping with foremost biblical principles. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” is an insightful biblical principle. It builds self-control, and contentment, helps in managing eating disorders and other health problems associated with poor feeding habits.
Reflecting the character of God by been modest with food and taking care of our nutritional and spiritual needs is a great way to glorify Him, bearing in mind that we become what we feed on. Good nutrition, combined with regular physical activity, is a cornerstone of good health and long life. Poor nutrition, on the contrary, leads to reduced immunity, increased susceptibility to disease, impaired physical and mental development, reduced productivity and early death (World Health Organization). Should you have questions, do not hesitate to visit a dietician.
Works Cited
National Kidney Foundation. What You Should Know About Good Nutrition. 2017. 20 Mar 2019. .
Nordqvist, Christian. Nutrition: What is it and why is it important? 1 Sep 2017. .
Robb, Amanda. What Are Nutrients? - Definition & Examples. 2019. 21 Mar 2019. .
World Health Organization. Nutrition. 2019. 21 Mar 2019. .
