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Nutrition is providing a body with the energy in the form of food to enable it to function. The science of nutrition has evolved over time as more and more knowledge is gained about the various food types around us. A few decades back, we mainly classified food into only four categories: Meat, Grain, Dairy and Fruits and vegetables. However, as the wealth of nutrition information increases, we find far more classifications available. In fact, enough to make one’s head turn. However, to ensure that you do not get discouraged in getting more nutrition info, here is some general information on the different food types:

Carbohydrates

Grain based food products fall into this category. Carbohydrates contain sugar units, and as the sugar units increase, the food becomes progressively tougher to digest since the sugar has to get separated from the food before it gets absorbed. On the other hand, simple carbohydrates, which have one sugar unit, and get absorbed into the body more rapidly.

Fat

There are many different types of fat and they have different effects on our body. There is monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, saturated fat and trans fat. Unsaturated fats, especially, monounsaturated fat are ideal for human consumption, followed by saturated fat, from animals. Trans fat is highly avoidable. Essential fatty acids also make up a part of our fat consumption and they are particularly useful to our bodies.

Fiber

Dietary fiber provides roughage and enables our internal system to process, digest and expel food efficiently and easily. There are two types of fibers, soluble and insoluble and both are required for the efficient functioning of our digestive system. You can get fiber from whole grains and fruits like figs and plums.

Protein

The muscle, hair and skin on our body is made up of protein. They are also present within the body and are in control of chemical reactions inside our bodies. However, while our body needs proteins, it cannot produce it. That is why we need to consume proteins everyday as the amino acid present in the protein helps our body rebuild damaged protein cells and create new ones. You can get your proteins from meat, grains, legumes, dairy products and soy products.

Minerals

Our bodies need a certain amount of minerals for its proper functioning, although mineral is not the most perfect way to classify this category as it contains more than just core minerals. Minerals like sodium (salt), calcium (milk), potassium, phosphorus, etc. are also required by the body, even if in small quantities.

Vitamins

Vitamins are also essential nutrients required by the body on a daily basis, even though our body is able to produce some of them in small quantities.

Water

No nutrition info can be complete without laying stress on the importance of adequate water in our daily diet.

General Information on other nutrients

There are other nutrients like antioxidants and phytochemicals that are also needed and used by the body on a daily basis.