The human body needs food for two purposes – as fuel for energy, and as a raw material to repair itself. In the proper diet, food has several basic components, such as fibre, carbohydrates, and vitamins. All of these are essential if the body is to function at its best.
FIBRE
Dietary fibre is the indigestible part of the plants in our diet. it is essential for health because it speeds the passage of food through the digestive system, and absorbs harmful substances. Meat contains no dietary fibre, and refining processes remove the fibre from whole foods. Low fibre intake contributes to many modern ailments. Dietary fibre is found in many vegetables, fruits, and cereals. Here some examples of fibre-rich diet ; Carrots, pinto beans, dried apricots, oats flakes, blueberries (i heart), banana, wholewheat bread, brown rice and banana.
PROTEIN
These are nitrogen- containing compounds are necessary for building tissues and repairing cells. Proteins are made up of 20 “building blocks” called amino acids. Eating a variety of protein foods provides all the necessary amino acids. Contrary to popular belief, a fully vegetarian diet does provide enough protein. The protein creates nitrogenous wastes, and the body has to eliminate these. Here are some examples of vegetarian sources of proteins ; Nuts, sunflower seeds, cheese, pearl barley, pumpkin seeds, kidney bean and tofu.
FATS
Fats provide the body with a reserve of energy. Small quantities of fat enable the body to store vital fat-soluble vitamins, such as vit A, D,E, and K. The body also needs fat to buil and maintain cushions for the internal organs, and to make the protective myelin sheaths that enclose the nerves. Fact that fats are made up of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Regular consumption of saturated fatty acids overloads the system and can cause heart disease. Here are some examples of healthy fat : soya beans, oils, avocado, sweet corn, olives and peanuts.
CARBOHYDRATES
These compounds are the chemical form in which plants store energy, and carbohydrates are recommended as the main energy source in the diet. Simple carbohydrates can be broken down completely to provide energy. Other, more complex, compounds (including some kind of starch) cannot be digested, and these act like dietary fibre, helping to keep the intestines healthy. Many carbohydrates are broken down into sgards in the digestive system. they are best eatedn unrefined e.g : wholegrain bread, arboreo rice, potatoes, pasta and chick peas. As they are also provide other nutrients. Foods that contain only simple carbohydrates, such as refined sugar, sweets and alcohol, provide only empty calories
VITAMINS AND MINERALS
Small amounts of these are vitals for the proper functioning of the body. Plants produce vitamins (highly complex substances), and also take in minerals (basic elements), so a balanced vegetatian diet provides sufficients quantities of these essentials ingredients, but all fruits and vegetables should be eaten as fresh and as little cooked as possible. Overcooking and processing can deplete even the most nutritious food of its vital components. Here are examples of sources of vitamins and mineral : vit C; blueberries, tomatoes, lemons. Celery for sodium, Asparagus for Folate, red pepper for Iron, and watercress for Potassium.
Our bodies need to take in fuel, in the form of food , at regular intervals. This is digested in the stomach and intestines, which break it down into usable forms. The nutrients are absorbed from the intestines and transported through the bloodstream to all the cells of the body.
After knowing all these informations, I’m thinking it is about time to more aware of what i put into my body and to supply of what my body need to stay healthy.
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