What is Nutrition
Before we start with our discussion of nutrition, let's clarify what we mean by eating, nutrition, malnutrition, and metabolism.
Eating (and drinking) are the taking in (swallowing) of food and other nourishing material by the body. That is, eating is the processes by which an organism takes in food.
Nutrition can be simply defined as the taking in and use of food and other nourishing material by the body.
However, this definition can be expanded to clarify what this really means. Nutrition is actually a 4-part process, as follows:
1. Food and/or drink is consumed.
2. The body breaks down the food and/or drink (inside the stomach) into nutrients.
3. These nutrients are absorbed (in the intestines).
4. The nutrients travel through the bloodstream to different parts of the body where they are used as "fuel" for growth, repair, movement, thinking, and for many other bodily functions. That is, these nutrients are used to maintain and sustain life.
To give the body proper nutrition, and maintain good health, a person has to eat and drink enough of the foods that contain key nutrients.
Without proper nutrition, our body would not be able to carry out the functions necessary to maintain and sustain life.
Food is made up of various different types and concentrations of nutrients that determine how nutritious our food is. These nutrients include carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water – "The 5 Food Groups"
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