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Importance of Good Nutrition and Weight Status

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Nutrition is essential in sustaining life as it is the physiological and biochemical process by which a cell uses food to support life.

Medically reviewed by

Neha Suryawanshi

Published At December 19, 2022
Reviewed AtFebruary 2, 2023

Introduction

Nutrition provides every cell in the body with nutrients, which are metabolized to create energy and chemical structures to sustain life. Nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining health and development. Good nutrition improves infant and child health, maternal health, immune system, safer pregnancy and childbirth, lower risk of non-communicable disease, and longevity. In addition, nutrition nourishes an individual in terms of health and well-being. Nutrition consists of proteins, carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, fiber, water, and essential trace elements.

What Is the Importance of Nutrition?

Malnutrition is defined as a deficiency in nutrition. It poses a threat to human health. If a person does not have the right balance of nutrients in their diet, it increases the risk of developing certain health conditions.

  • Good nutrition results in healthy living.

  • Nutrition has an integrated relationship between diet, health, and disease.

  • Nutrition focuses on how people can reduce disease risk through dietary factors.

  • Nutrition contributes to an individual’s well-being.

  • Good nutrition consists of macronutrients and micronutrients, which are significant in maintaining good health.

How Is Nutrition Classified?

Nutrition is broadly classified into macronutrients and micronutrients. Therefore, people must consume a varied diet to obtain a wide range of nutrients.

1. Macronutrients: These are nutrients that people need in relatively large amounts to support and sustain life. The macronutrients consist of:

  • Carbohydrates.

  • Proteins.

  • Fats.

  • Water.

2. Micronutrients: Micronutrients are essential in small amounts. They include vitamins and minerals.

What Are Carbohydrates?

Sugar, starch, and fiber are all types of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are classified into:

1. Simple Carbohydrates: Simple sugars release rapid energy and spike blood sugars.

2. Complex Carbohydrates: Complex carbohydrates are healthier choices than simple sugars and refined carbohydrates.

  • Sugars: Sugars are classified as simple carbohydrates as the body quickly breaks down and absorbs sugars and processed starch resulting in a sudden release of energy to the body. The rapid release of energy results in spiking in sugars and increases the risk of developing diabetes and its complications. A person does not feel full on consuming simple sugars, and the food cravings increase.

  • Fiber: This is a type of complex carbohydrate that provides roughage to the body. A few types of fibers are broken down to release energy, and the gut bacteria metabolize the others, and the other types of fibers pass through the body. A person feels fuller after eating fiber, and it keeps him full longer, thus, curbing his appetite and cravings. Complex carbohydrates are beneficial in reducing the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, hyperlipidemia, and certain types of cancer.

  • Unprocessed Starch: This is a type of complex carbohydrate.

What Are Proteins?

Proteins are the most important nutrient required for the structure, function, and regulation of the body’s tissues and organs. They consist of 20 different types of amino acids, which are organic compounds that occur naturally. They are also widely categorized as plant-based protein and animal-based protein sources.

What Are Fats?

Fats are a type of macronutrient that is essential for:

  • Lubricating joints.

  • Helping organs produce hormones.

  • Providing energy and insulation to the body.

  • Enabling the body to absorb certain vitamins.

  • Providing healthy structure to the body.

  • Reducing inflammation.

  • Preserving brain health.

Fats are of two types: saturated and unsaturated fats. The most common source of unsaturated fats is olive oil, avocados, nuts, and so on, while saturated fats are derived from animal sources. Unsaturated fats are undoubtedly the healthier choice than saturated fats, which results in obesity, dyslipidemia (high cholesterol), liver disease, and hormonal imbalance and pose a risk factor for other lifestyle diseases.

How Important Is Water?

The human body is made up of 60 % of water. And our blood is made up of 90 % of water.

  • Water has zero calories.

  • It delivers oxygen throughout the body.

  • Water is important for many processes in the body and for regulating bodily functions.

  • Drinking adequate water is crucial for health and well-being.

  • It regulates body temperature.

  • It helps maintain the good health of the kidneys, skin, hair, and digestive system.

  • It helps flush out toxins.

  • It cushions and protects the brain, spinal cord, and other sensitive tissues.

What Are Micronutrients?

Micronutrients mainly consist of minerals and vitamins.

1. Minerals: The dietary minerals required by the body are:

  • Potassium: Potassium is an electrolyte. It maintains the optimum functioning of the kidneys, the heart, the muscles, and the nerves for better health.

  • Sodium: It is an electrolyte that helps maintain muscle and nerve function and regulate fluid levels in the body.

  • Calcium: Calcium is necessary for the formation of bones and teeth. It also supports cardiovascular health, the musculoskeletal system, the nervous system, and other functions.

  • Phosphorous: It contributes to muscle strength and coordination, improved appetite, and health of bones and teeth.

  • Magnesium: It contributes to muscle and nerve function.

  • Zinc: Zinc plays a role in the health of body cells, the immune system, wound healing, and the creation of proteins.

  • Iron: It is pivotal in the creation of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to all parts of the body.

  • Manganese: It helps produce energy.

  • Copper: It helps make energy and produce connective tissues and blood vessels.

  • Selenium: It is also an antioxidant that prevents cell damage. It plays a significant role in reproductive and thyroid health.

2. Vitamins:

  • Water-Soluble Vitamins: Consists of vitamin B and vitamin C.

  • Fat-Soluble Vitamins: Consists of vitamins A, D, E, and K.

Why Is Healthy Weight Status Important?

Maintaining optimum weight through body mass index (BMI) determines weight status. BMI determines a person into underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese. Individuals at a healthy weight are less likely to have risk factors for chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, infertility, heart disease, osteoarthritis, and certain types of cancer. Calories influence weight; thus, good nutrition can support ideal weight status. Maintaining an ideal body mass index prevents obesity, which is fatal as it puts a person in danger of life-threatening medical conditions.

Conclusion

Good nutrition and optimum weight status promote health and reduce chronic disease risk through consuming healthful diets and achieving and maintaining healthy body weights. Good nutrition is derived through eating healthy foods comprising essential macronutrients and micronutrients that impact healthy weight.

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Neha Suryawanshi
Neha Suryawanshi

Nutritionist

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