What proper nutrition entails

While it’s true that the fields of diet and nutrition are areas of evolving research, there are some basic concepts you can keep in mind to be better equipped about dietary advice.

•Water: Water is essential for our bodies because it is in every cell, tissue, and organ in your body. That’s why getting enough water every day is important for your health. Water helps your body with the following: Keeps its temperature normal; lubricates and cushions your joints; protects your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues; gets rid of wastes through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements.

•Dietary fat: While fats are essential for normal body function, some fats are better for you than others. Trans fats, saturated fats and cholesterol are less healthy than polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats.

•Most of the fat that you eat should come from unsaturated sources: polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats. In general, nuts, vegetable oils, and fish are sources of unsaturated fats.

Carbohydrates: Your body uses carbohydrates to make glucose, which is the fuel that gives you energy and helps keep everything going. Your body can use glucose immediately or store it in your liver and muscles for when it is needed. You can find carbohydrates in the following: fruits, vegetables, breads, cereals, and other grains; milk and milk products, foods containing added sugars (e.g. cakes, cookies, and sugar-sweetened beverages). Healthier foods higher in carbohydrates include ones that provide dietary fiber and whole grains as well as those without added sugars.

•Proteins: are part of every cell, tissue, and organ in our bodies. These body proteins are constantly being broken down and replaced.