Types of Nutritional Value of Living Things

Food is any substance eaten to provide nutrition to an organism. Food is generally of animal, plant or fungi origin, and consists of necessary nutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, or other nutrients that are required for the growth and maintenance of organisms health. Food also represents a measure of culture and technological development. In the broadest sense, food is the food that sustains the human being and other animals; it provides energy, building blocks for growth and maintenance, and is a source of pleasure and other physical stimuli.

Although the scope of the word ‘food’ has widened in recent years with the expanding use of the word to refer to all of the components of food, without reference to its source (such as fish, meat, milk, and eggs), this definition has little meaning. Food is a basic need that we must all have if we are to survive. The problem arises when people use the word ‘food’ as though it were synonymous with money. Money, after all, is used for purchasing food. The nutritional value of food is actually determined more by the quality of the soil in which it grows than the money paid for it.

The major dietary fibre groups are: carbohydrates, protein, fruit and vegetables, fat, and minerals (usually provided by plant sources). Some foods are considered to be carbohydrates while others are considered to be protein or fat. The main food groups, carbohydrate-rich foods such as bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, cereals, breads and noodles; protein-rich foods such as poultry, fish, meats, egg products, milk and dairy products; and fat-rich foods like butter, margarine, tropical oils and tropical vegetables (potatoes, squash) are classified as food groups. By eating a well-balanced diet, people can get all the nutrients that they need.

Health problems such as obesity, chronic illnesses and deficiencies in specific nutrients that are essential to good health, are symptoms that a person may be suffering from inadequate nutrition. One of the major nutrients needed by the body is iron. Iron is required for red blood cell production, regulation of cholesterol levels, and cell growth and maintenance. If these nutrients are not supplied in sufficient amounts, it results in deficiencies in other essential body components and can contribute to an unhealthy immune system.

Foods that contain significant amounts of iron include fortified cereal products, spinach, whole grain bread, pastas, peas, beans and nuts. Vitamin C is also considered to be an iron-rich food because it helps in the absorption of iron. However, it takes time for the body to absorb vitamin C because its presence in food takes time. Food sources rich in Vitamin C include citrus fruits, tomato, and tomatoes and tinned products. Milk is also a good source of vitamin C and, when consumed in proper quantities can help improve the absorption of iron and other nutrients in the body.

The above mentioned are just a few examples of the different types of nutrients found in food. Foods have a wide range of uses and can affect the body in a variety of ways. As food is eaten, it enters our body and provides many necessary functions that are ultimately responsible for the maintenance of our physical and mental well being. Proper nutrition is one of the most important elements of good health and we should all pay attention to eating the right kinds of food.