Whether you are at your ideal weight or striving to reach your weight goal, is it simply a matter of burning more calories than you take in? The answer, I suggest, is no! Of course, calories in versus calories out is a part of the equation. But overall body health improvement is also very important, and correct nutrition plays a huge role in that process.
To function properly, your body must have the correct combination of nutrients:
Carbohydrates. Unless you’re following a low-carb diet such as the ketogenic diet, carbohydrates are the primary source of fuel in your diet. The body converts carbohydrates to glucose, and your body runs on glucose. But glucose can be used immediately or stored in your body for later. And when you have too much glucose, your body stores it as fat. There are two types of carbohydrates – simple and complex.
Proteins. Proteins help your body build and maintain muscles and other tissues. They also play a role in the creation of hormones. But it’s important to remember, that like carbohydrates, excess protein is stored as fat. Animal and vegetable are the two major types of proteins. Too much animal protein can contribute to high cholesterol, because it is high in saturated fat.
Fat. Believe it or not, fat is another nutrient your body requires. But only in moderate amounts. Fat is either in saturated or unsaturated form. Saturated fat puts you at risk for health problems. Unsaturated fat is healthy, but if it is processed or refined in any way, it can become saturated fat.
Vitamins. These are also nutrients required by your body. Different vitamins perform different functions. For example, they can work with your metabolism to help boost your energy levels. It has also been shown that certain vitamins can prevent disease. Vitamins called antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, can help prevent cardiovascular disease.
Minerals and trace elements. Your body also requires these nutrients, because both are used in many different body processes. The mineral chloride is an essential part of your digestive juices. The mineral phosphorus helps build strong bones. Both can be found in the foods we consume, but we need more of some minerals than others. And with a trace element, your body just needs a tiny amount.
These are the building blocks of good nutrition.
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