There is no lack of nutrition data available to those who want to learn about health. Federal guidelines for a balanced diet and labels on every food product sold in the United States provide information. For more information, or for alternative views, there are too many nutritional guides and online sites to assimilate.
If you are a beginner, the federal guidelines will provide a basic understanding of good versus bad fats, how much protein is recommended, what vitamins and minerals are essential, and how much fiber is needed on a daily basis. Most experts feel that a balanced diet of whole foods is the proper foundation for health and well-being.
After you gain a basic understanding, you will want to remember that we are not all alike. "Whole foods'" can mean lots of whole wheat bread, whole grains, and nuts for one person, while another may have a sensitivity to wheat and an allergy to tree nuts. A person who loves meat might get adequate protein but not enough vitamins and minerals, while a vegetarian could be lacking in protein.
If a person has a sensitivity or an allergy to certain foods, they will probably be unable to absorb nutrients from that food. In fact, a severe case can mean that a person can eat a lot but actually suffer from malnutrition. Some processed food has too much sodium, an overload of preservatives, artificial flavors and colors, and are loaded with fat or sugar.
This is why it pays to know what ingredients are in your food and where it comes from. Produce grown in other countries might have a higher pesticide content - but not necessarily. Exotic fruits and vegetables probably will be picked before full ripeness, and long shipping times can lessen the food value considerably.
There are many books and online sites, often written by a medical doctor. Herbalists and natural food advocates also have valuable information to share. Sources may differ greatly in content. One expert may advocate whole grains as a dietary foundation, while another may suggest avoiding grains altogether. Some say fat is to be eliminated, while others say it is necessary for energy, mental alertness, and proper development in children.
The best thing you can do is to find reputable sources of nutrition data, experiment with the advice, and see what works best for you. It is important to decide on a balanced diet that gives you all the nutrients you need from foods that work with your digestive system and metabolism. Don't be discouraged; the subject is interesting and it is possible to find your way through the maze.
If you are a beginner, the federal guidelines will provide a basic understanding of good versus bad fats, how much protein is recommended, what vitamins and minerals are essential, and how much fiber is needed on a daily basis. Most experts feel that a balanced diet of whole foods is the proper foundation for health and well-being.
After you gain a basic understanding, you will want to remember that we are not all alike. "Whole foods'" can mean lots of whole wheat bread, whole grains, and nuts for one person, while another may have a sensitivity to wheat and an allergy to tree nuts. A person who loves meat might get adequate protein but not enough vitamins and minerals, while a vegetarian could be lacking in protein.
If a person has a sensitivity or an allergy to certain foods, they will probably be unable to absorb nutrients from that food. In fact, a severe case can mean that a person can eat a lot but actually suffer from malnutrition. Some processed food has too much sodium, an overload of preservatives, artificial flavors and colors, and are loaded with fat or sugar.
This is why it pays to know what ingredients are in your food and where it comes from. Produce grown in other countries might have a higher pesticide content - but not necessarily. Exotic fruits and vegetables probably will be picked before full ripeness, and long shipping times can lessen the food value considerably.
There are many books and online sites, often written by a medical doctor. Herbalists and natural food advocates also have valuable information to share. Sources may differ greatly in content. One expert may advocate whole grains as a dietary foundation, while another may suggest avoiding grains altogether. Some say fat is to be eliminated, while others say it is necessary for energy, mental alertness, and proper development in children.
The best thing you can do is to find reputable sources of nutrition data, experiment with the advice, and see what works best for you. It is important to decide on a balanced diet that gives you all the nutrients you need from foods that work with your digestive system and metabolism. Don't be discouraged; the subject is interesting and it is possible to find your way through the maze.
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