Rhiannon Lambert - The Science of Nutrition: Debunk the Diet Myths and Learn How to Eat Well for Health and Happiness

Nutrition is the process by which we provide the body with the nutrients necessary for good health and for growth. Essentially, nutrition is nourishment for the body via the foods you eat.

Eating nutritiously enables you to enjoy the sense of wellbeing that comes with good health. Adequate nutrition is vital if you want your body to be healthy, well maintained, and have the best chance at fighting disease and operating optimally.

We get our nourishment mostly from macronutrients, which are the dietary main players, but micronutrients are no less important. A balanced diet contains many different types of both.

There are three macronutrients: . These three macronutrients give your body the energy it needs to operate.

There are many processes the body takes care of without our conscious control (such as breathing, temperature regulation, digestion, and cell repair) that require energy. And, of course, your body requires energy for movement. Each of the macronutrients is required in relatively large amounts every day to support many of your bodys vital functions.

We need vitamins and minerals, known as micronutrients, in much smaller quantities than macronutrients, but they are vital for the body to carry out its functions. In children they are also essential for healthy growth and development.

Because we need macronutrients in much larger quantities than micronutrients, its easy to underestimate the importance of the latter and focus more on including the former in the diet. But the absence of micronutrients can lead to severe consequences. The World Health Organization suggests that micronutrient deficiency is responsible for some of the most common nutritional deficiencies, such as anaemia (iron), and rickets and osteoporosis (Vitamin D), all of which can have a debilitating effect on the bodys wellbeing and performance.

You can get most of your vitamins and minerals from plants. Plant foods come in various shades and colours, and their colour is linked to the nutrients they contain. For instance, orange often indicates the presence of Vitamin A; purples indicate antioxidants; greens contain Vitamin K and iron; and red vegetables contain lots of Vitamin C. So a colourful diet will give you a well-varied nutrient intake.

The daily requirement of each micronutrient varies between individuals, but if your diet is healthy and balanced, including foods from both plants and animal sources, you are likely to be ingesting all the micronutrients your body needs without the need for supplements. For those who dont eat animal products, a well thought through diet alongside targeted supplementation will provide the you need. However, do see a registered nutritionist or dietitian if you wish to enhance your diet for optimal performance.

Unique nutritional needs

There is no one-size-fits-all in nutrition.

Your optimal intake of each macronutrient and micronutrient depends on numerous factors. Your age, gender, genetics, metabolism, level of physical activity, and personal preferences all have a part to play in establishing the best foods to keep working optimally. Learn to listen to your body and notice how you feel in response to your diet. See your GP if at all concerned.