Nutritional Needs and Types of Food You Should Eat

The word food actually means a collection of things which are used for nourishment and the support of the body’s metabolism. Food is generally of vegetable, animal or fungi origin, and is made up of essential nutrients, like proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, or iron. It is the chief source of energy and serves as the reserve of the body. According to the Dietary Guidelines issued by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), five key food groups are: Protein – meats, poultry, fish, egg products and dairy products, Vitamin A, B, C and E – fruits and vegetables, Zinc – legumes, vegetables, nuts and grains, Calcium – dairy products, whole grains and other legume foods. The recommended daily allowance of these food groups is approximately 5 servings per day.

If you think that it is not possible for you to eat enough food to fulfill your dietary requirements, then you should consider a diet plan. In addition to considering what kind of food you should eat, you should also consider a number of factors such as your gender, height, age, activity level and other factors. Men usually need less food to fulfill their nutritional requirements than women, because men burn up calories more quickly compared to women. Therefore, if you wish to have enough food to meet your nutritional needs, it is recommended that you choose lean meat, poultry, fish and eggs and low fat dairy products. In case you are overweight, you should try to lose some weight first before you start trying to gain it.

Another important factor in determining your nutrition levels is your consumption of fat. The absorption of fat into the body is affected by different factors. Age, gender, ethnicity, profession and overall health are some of the factors that affect the absorption of fat into the body. A well-balanced diet plan including the right combination of food types and nutrients is essential if you want to get the best results. In order to improve your immune system and reduce the risk of disease, it is highly recommended to consume foods rich in antioxidants such as vitamin A, vitamin C, beta carotene, lutein and lecithin.