We as humans need nutrition for our bodies to function; and this nutrition comes in the form of food. We process this nutrition through our bodies by first taking it into our mouths. Next we mix it up saliva while breaking it up into smaller pieces during the act of chewing.
(Related: Humans chew their food)
The food then goes down into our stomachs, where it is further digested by digestive enzymes. These digestive enzymes break the food down even further so that the nutrients can be extracted from them. The nutrients are then absorbed into the blood stream and transported to all parts of the body.
Different nutrients in foods do different things for the body. For example, protein builds muscle tissue and carbohydrates are burnt as energy. Excess carbohydrates may also be stored as fat for later conversion into energy if needed. For this reason, eating excessive amounts of carbohydrates on a consistent basis can cause us to become too fat.
What are minerals and what do they do for the body? What are sources of minerals and do we really need them?
What are vitamins and what do they do for the body? What are the different types of vitamins? What are sources of the various vitamins and do we really need them? What is the function of each type of vitamin in the human body; and what does a lack of them cause?
Do you know a particular food that boosts memory and increase brain power?
Proper food and nutrition is essential for every human from birth up. Because of a lack of food and nutrition education, many people suffer from malnutrition: they just do not know how to nourish themselves and the ones around them properly.
Related: The importance of breastfeeding.
Related: Is breastfeeding an instinct in humans?
This has led to the creation of an entire area of study by the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) for Caribbean schools, called “Food and Nutrition”.
Indeed, education in food and nutrition is important. In fact, it is critical. Get this wrong and you could be spinning your wheels for the rest of your life. Wouldn’t you rather be spinning stories about how you won your first medal in sport? Or how well your child performs in athletics?
Keep reading, you just might learn something!