Food and nutrition - nutrition

In the previous presentation, we learned that nutrition, along with sleep and physical activity, are key actions for children to grow, develop and maintain their health. We also discovered that mealtimes are ideal for reinforcing affection, values and habits in children.

In this presentation, we will explore concepts such as food, nutrition and nutrients, which are fundamental to understand what it means to have a healthy diet.

Are feeding and nourishing the same thing?

Although they are closely related, feeding and nourishing are not exactly the same. Let's look at their definitions to better understand their differences.

What is nourishment?

Feeding is the set of actions aimed at obtaining products or substances from the environment for nutritional, social or psychological purposes. Feeding involves selecting and preparing these products to make them more digestible and appetizing.

Therefore, a food is any substance ingested for nutritional, social or psychological purposes.

Examples:

• Milk is a food because it is ingested for nutritional purposes.
• Alcoholic beverages, although not of great nutritional value, are considered foods because of their social or psychological interest.
• Chewing gum is not a food because it is not ingested.
• Drugs and medicines are not foods because they are not consumed for nutritional, social or psychological purposes.

Why is water a food?

Water is considered a food because it provides nutrients such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, chlorine, calcium, sulfur and phosphorus.

What is nutrition?

Nutrition is the process by which the body transforms food into simple nutrients that can be absorbed and utilized by the body. This process includes ingestion, digestion, absorption, assimilation and excretion.

Nutrients are substances involved in cell growth, reproduction and maintenance.

The main nutrients include:

• Proteins.
• Carbohydrates.
• Fats or lipids.
• Vitamins.
• Minerals.

Classification of nutrients:

• Macronutrients: nutrients needed by the body in large amounts, such as proteins, carbohydrates and fats.
• Micronutrients: nutrients needed in small amounts, such as vitamins and minerals.

Is water a nutrient?

Although water is not usually considered a nutrient, it is essential for the proper functioning of the body, as it is involved in many vital functions.

Differences between food and nutrition

Eating is a voluntary action, influenced by customs, religions and personal preferences. For this reason, it varies between cultures and regions. Nutrition, on the other hand, is an involuntary and unconscious process that occurs in a similar way in all human beings.

What is healthy nutrition?

A healthy diet provides all the nutrients the body needs to function properly, improve health, reduce the risk of disease and ensure proper development and growth.

Recommendations for healthy eating

• Eat a variety of foods throughout the day to ensure that all nutrients are obtained.
• Distribute meals throughout the day, emphasizing the importance of breakfast.
• Consume fruits, vegetables and legumes, since they provide many vitamins and minerals.
• Include dairy products, preferably skimmed, in the diet.
• Opt for lean meats such as poultry and fish, and consume red meat occasionally.
• Use vegetable oils as the main fat, and avoid animal fats and hydrogenated fats.
• Reduce consumption of sweets, milkshakes and foods high in sugar.
• Limit the amount of salt in meals.