disorders of nutrition
Overview of Nutrition
Introduction
Nutrition is the process of consuming, absorbing, and using nutrients needed by the body for growth, development, and maintenance of life. To receive adequate, appropriate nutrition, people need to consume a healthy diet, which consists of a variety of nutrients—the substances in foods that nourish the body. A healthy diet enables people to maintain a desirable body weight and composition (the percentage of fat and muscle in the body), to do their daily physical and mental activities, and to minimize risk of disease and disability. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025state that: “A healthy dietary pattern consists of nutrient-dense forms of foods and beverages across all food groups, in recommended amounts, and within calorie limits.” According to these guidelines, the core elements that make up a healthy dietary pattern include: Vegetables of all types: dark green; red and orange; beans, peas, and lentils; starchy; and other vegetables Fruits, especially whole fruit Grains, at least half of which are whole grain Dairy, including fat-free or low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese, and/or lactose-free versions and fortified soy beverages and yogurt as alternatives Protein foods, including lean meats, poultry, and eggs; seafood; beans, peas, and lentils; and nuts, seeds, and soy products Oils, including vegetable oils and oils in food, such as seafood and nuts If people consume too much food, Obesity may result. If they consume large amounts of certain nutrients, usually 