There are many ways to improve the nutritional value of your food. You can include food supplements in your diet, or you can use natural ingredients in your meals. Food supplements can provide additional nutrients that are not found in natural foods. Food additives are often used to extend the shelf-life of food, make them more appealing, and enhance their taste. They are also used in food packaging. Food packaging materials, such as plastic, may leach chemicals into the food. Food producers also use other chemicals to protect crops and animals from diseases. These chemicals sometimes migrate into food as a result of the production process.
Nutrients
A healthy diet includes a variety of nutrients that help keep the body functioning properly. These nutrients include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Each one has a specific function in the body. They provide energy and help the body produce body tissues. Some nutrients are necessary for the brain, muscles, and digestion.
Food groups
Food groups are a group of foods with similar biological classifications and nutritional properties. Each group has a recommended dietary allowance for daily consumption.
Protein
Protein in food is a critical nutrient for our bodies. There are various types, ranging from animal products to plant-based proteins. High-quality sources of protein include meat, fish, dairy products, pulses, nuts, seeds, and legumes. In comparison, low-quality sources of protein include tofu, soy milk, and textured vegetable protein. However, these low-quality sources are still an important part of our diets, especially for pregnant women.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are an important part of any diet. Ideally, carbohydrates should make up 45 to 65 percent of your total daily calorie intake. That means carbohydrates should account for about 900 calories of your daily 2,000-calorie intake. The amount of carbohydrates that you need depends on your body type and specific needs. Luckily, food labels can give you a good idea of how much carbohydrate a given food has. Look for the “Nutrition Facts” panel and ingredients list, which includes total carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and sugars.
Fat
Foods contain a variety of nutrients, including fats. Most of them fall into three major categories: saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated. In addition to being a main energy source, fats perform many functions in the body. The most common sources of fats in food are meat, dairy products, and fish.
Vegetables
Vegetables are the edible parts of plants. These parts include leaves, roots, fruits, and seeds. They are an essential part of human diet and are grown and harvested worldwide. They are low-calorie and high in nutrients, making them an excellent source of nutrition. Most health experts recommend eating at least one serving of vegetables daily. Ideally, this should be a rotating diet of a variety of vegetables.