Why Does Your Body Need Nutrients and Fiber?

Food is any material consumed to give nutrition to organisms for their daily life. In simple definition food is any substance used to satisfy the body’s need for it. Food is generally of animal, plant or fungi origin, and includes vital nutrients, like proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, or iron. The variety of food available in the market provides us with an almost unlimited choice for healthy and nourishing meals.

Nourishment refers to the efforts put in by an individual to ensure that his physical and mental condition is maintained. In simple terms, nutrition is necessary for every person to live a healthy life. Therefore every body needs all the nutrients necessary to stay alive. There are three food groups – vegetal, animal and carbohydrates. Every group of food differs in its energy providing capability, it’s calorie consumption, and it’s nutrient absorption.

Vegetables and fruits are the two main food groups that are rich in nutrition. They are the richest source of vitamins and minerals that are necessary for good health. They can fulfill your daily requirement of carbohydrates, protein and vitamins A, C and K. Fruits provide you with carbohydrates, protein and a source of several other important nutrient. Carrots too are a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin B-12, folic acid and potassium. You can have salads with carrots, cauliflower and spinach without having to consume a single calorie.

Cereals are another good source of nourishment. They contain carbohydrates, protein, calcium and iron. Rice is the other common food that is used for daily nourishment. They can give you the same nutrition as vegetables and fruits, but in lesser quantities. Other than these cereals, bread, pasta and potatoes are other common foods, which are used as sources of non-nutrient calories.

Some animal sources of protein include milk, cheese, eggs and fish. Protein rich food gives more energy to your body and is therefore very essential for burning fat. Meat and seafood are the other options for animal protein. However, if you want to eat food, which provides more nutrients and fewer calories than other animal products, then you should eat beans, pulses, nuts and seeds. Other than these, plant products, such as beans, green beans, cauliflower and spinach are good sources of non-animal protein.

Fibre is another important ingredient in a healthy diet. It helps your body absorb nutrients and keeps it from being absorbed into fat cells. Plenty of fibre makes food full of energy, reduces cholesterol levels and prevents constipation. A diet, which contains plenty of fibre, reduces constipation and increases bowel movements, is ideal for those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. Broccoli, spinach, cabbage, peas, beans and lentils are all rich in fibre.