National Nutrition Month

Food provides the energy and nutrients you need to be healthy. Nutrients includes proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. Protein builds and maintains our bones, muscles, and skin. Carbohydrates (carbs) are broken down into glucose. Glucose is the main source of energy for your body’s cells, tissues, and organs. Fat is a type of nutrient. You need some fat in your diet but not too much. Fats give you energy and help your body absorb vitamins. Dietary fat also plays a major role in your cholesterol levels. Vitamins are substances that your body needs to grow and develop normally. Your body uses minerals (calcium, magnesium, sodium, etc..) for many different jobs, including keeping your bones, muscles, heart, and brain working properly. Water helps your body keep a normal temperature, lubricate, and cushion joints, protects your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues, and get rid of wastes through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements.

The key to healthy eating is to:

• Eat a variety of foods, including vegetables, fruits, and whole-grain products
• Eat lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, and low-fat dairy products
• Drink lots of water
• Limit salt, sugar, alcohol, saturated fat, and trans-fat in your diet

People with healthy eating patterns live longer and are at lower risk for serious health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. For people with chronic diseases, healthy eating can help manage these conditions and prevent complications.