Pars Today

One of the important elements which affect human health is nutrition. Nutrition is actually the science that explicates the interaction of nutrients and other substances in food in relation to maintenance, growth, reproduction, health and disease of an organism.

It includes food intake, absorption, assimilation, biosynthesis, catabolism and excretion. Nutrition should be taken into consideration since the number of risky elements has increased in today’s world.
Latest studies show that 45% of adults aged 15-64 are suffering from obesity and overweight. Unfortunately, there are a lot of overweight and obese children across the world. Statistics show that most of the world's population lives in countries where overweight and obesity kills more people than underweight. What is quite clear is that today’s lifestyle from the way people eat to their low physical activity have put the world population at stake. Beside gaining weight, taking fatty and sugary foods, eating salty processed foods as well as drinking sweet gas drinks and alcohol all weaken immunity system, cause diseases and lead to death.
The Food Guide Pyramid is an easy way to create a healthy diet. It consists of 6 food groups and 4 levels. You should eat more servings per day from the lower levels, fewer from the upper ones. Your age, gender, activity level and overall health will ultimately determine which type of diet is best for you, but the pyramid is a great place to start.
Grains form the lowest level and the foundation of the pyramid. Grains contain complex carbohydrates, B vitamins, iron, protein, magnesium and fiber. Eat 6 to 11 servings each day (at least 50% of your total calories) from this group, which includes cereals, rice and pasta.
Fruits and vegetables are the next level. These foods are naturally fat- and cholesterol-free, as well as low in sodium. They also contain a rich supply of vitamins A and C, potassium, magnesium and fiber, which may reduce the risk of certain cancers. Be sure to get 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables every day.
Dairy, meat and meat alternatives are on the pyramid's third level. Dairy products – such as cheese and milk – provide calcium, protein, B vitamins and, when fortified, vitamins D and A. The meat and meat alternatives – which include poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs and nuts – are rich sources of protein, phosphorus, vitamins B6 and B12, zinc, magnesium, iron, niacin and thiamin. Eat 2 to 3 servings from each of these groups daily.
The top of the pyramid is for fats, oils and sweets. These foods are all high in calories, but low in nutritional value. Foods with high fat content include margarine, butter, salad dressing, mayonnaise, cream, cream cheese and sauces. Everything from cake, pie and doughnuts to soft drinks falls in the "sweets" category. Eat very sparingly from this group.
Having a healthy body is manifested in a healthy weight based on your height, radiant and shinny skin, hair and nail, sharp eyes and ears, a good appetite, taking footsteps in a balanced pace, as well as your temper. Nutritionists say taking extra amount of processed meat products may cause cancer. They also maintain that low consumption of grain, which contain vitamin B group, leads to mental disorders including depression and aggression.
Though some believe suffering from diseases like diabetes, cardiac disorders, hypertension, skeletal system diseases, and cancers are genetic, experts say planning a healthy diet can aggravate or alleviate these diseases.
Therefore, taking all food groups, reducing the consumption of sugar, salt and trans fatty acids as well as increasing the consumption of vegetables and fruits all help prevention or delay of diseases as well as having a healthy life during the ageing years.
ME