Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery University of the Free State

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WHAT IS NUTRITION?

Information provided courtesy of Dietcare +2712 677 8115

Nutrition may be defined as the process whereby we obtain the essential nutrients and use it to produce many other substances that our bodies need. This process includes

Eating
Digestion of food
Absorption of food
Using or metabolising nutrients

We can obtain all of the essential nutrients from food. The term good nutrition implies that we are obtaining, from our food, all the essential nutrients, in amounts necessary to keep our bodies functioning in order to maintain optimum health. A simplified definition of good nutrition may be "eating the right foods in the right amounts".
Nutrients are categorized as proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, vitamins and water.

NUTRIENT	FUNCTION	MAIN SOURCE
Protein Literally the "stuff of life". Proteins make up ¾ of the body. Our muscles, connective tissues, bones, brain, blood, skin, hair, nails as well as hormones and enzymes all have protein as their basic structural material.	Form body tissue; Provide energy; Maintain water balance; Maintain acid-base balance.	Meat; Fish; Chicken; Eggs; Milk; Yoghurt; Beans; Cheese.
Carbohydrates Provide most of the energy required to move, do work and stay alive. Represented by the starches and sugars.	Supply energy; Spare protein; Help make essential nutrients; Prevent dehydration; Supply brain energy; Supply fibre; Flavouring and sweetening of foods.	Potatoes; Pasta; Rice; Bread; Cereals; Porridge.
Fats A concentrated source of energy that makes it possible for people to store energy compactly and efficiently. Fats are 1¼ times higher in energy density than carbohydrates or proteins.	Supply energy; Store energy; Carry fat-soluble vitamins; Supply essential fatty acids; Perform metabolic functions; Keep body warm.	Margarine; Butter; Oil; Cream; Avocados; Bacon; Olives.
Vitamins Complex organic compounds needed for growth, maintenance and regulation of metabolic processes.	Promote growth; Promote development; Facilitate energy reactions.	Fruit and vegetables
Minerals and water Building and regulating. Minerals are needed in relatively small amounts. Water, an inorganic compound, is classed as a nutrient because it is essential to life.	Body metabolism; Muscle movements; Body growth; Water balance; Water dissolve nutrients; Water is a transport vehicle for nutrients waste and body substance; Lubricant.	Fruit and vegetables; Water.