Food is the ultimate source of energy in our body. The energy generated from the food helps us to function. The energy generated from the food should be such that it helps us to function to our maximum potential. When we talk about good health, healthy food automatically comes into play. It’s important for us to be mindful of our diets and what food we eat. Undoubtedly, you all must be aware of the term Mitochondria which is the powerhouse of the cell. As the food moves inside our body, it is broken down into simpler forms and after going through various biological processes mitochondria generate energy in the form of ATPs (adenosine triphosphate). These ATPs help the cells in our body to function. In simpler terms, for the cells to function, the food needs to be broken down in a way that gives an adequate amount of energy for all cells to function in our body.

Now that we have understood the concept of energy so before diving further into the topic, let’s look at the definition of health and nutrition and understand the nuances.

According to WHO (World Health Organisation), “Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Being healthy means a person is not only doing well physically but also mentally and emotionally. Physical health means there is no risk of any disease and the person can function to his maximum capacity while mental health means the person is in a stable state of mind.

Meanwhile, According to WHO, “Nutrition is the intake of food, considered about the body’s dietary needs. Good nutrition – an adequate, well-balanced diet combined with regular physical activity – is a cornerstone of good health. Poor nutrition can lead to reduced immunity, increased susceptibility to disease, impaired physical and mental development, and reduced productivity.’’ Good health is all about a healthy diet. A healthy diet means a person is taking a complete diet while fulfilling all the nutritional requirements. Poor nutrition implies that the necessary components required for the body are missing in your diet. 

There are six major nutrients needed for the body that need to be taken from outside sources and the body is not able to generate on its own. Protein, carbohydrates, fats, water, minerals, and vitamins are the six nutrients needed for the body. These major nutrients are required in large quantities by the body. Some of the other nutrients like calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, etc. are required in a minor quantity but still play a significant role in our body and cannot be ignored. Protein, carbohydrates, and fats help in energy generation; minerals and vitamins help in developing our immunity, and lastly, water helps to make our system clean and improves circulation. Carbohydrates, calcium, and iron also play a huge role in the proper functioning of our brain. This is where the mental well-being factor comes into play.

Some of the important uses of nutrients are:

1. Immunity: As already mentioned earlier, minerals and vitamins help to develop our immunity. Having a strong immune system is important for a healthy lifestyle. It protects you from foreign elements like a virus entering your body and fights them.
2. Upgradation of Health: Your health is promoted when you consume a well-balanced diet. It would make you feel energetic and would keep tiredness away from you. It would also help you to work with your utmost potential. When your physical health feels upgraded, it automatically makes you feel well mentally as well as emotionally.
3. Development and Growth: Growth and development of the body and brain are very important for proper functioning. Calcium helps to build our bones while majorly  

Carbohydrates, iron, and sodium help in the development of our brain. Any improper growth can be a result of an unbalanced diet therefore it’s necessary to mind your diet and keep it whole.

1. Increases your productivity and efficiency: when you take a proper diet, your body cells work efficiently. It’s difficult to break complex food like any junk food with high-fat content. When the body doesn’t process the food properly, it stays in your system and doesn’t even help in generating any sort of energy. Meanwhile, when you consume healthy food, it breaks easily resulting in your body feeling energetic and thus increasing your productivity.

It’s vital to understand the purpose of a balanced diet and what nutrients you need to make it complete. Good health is important for a healthy lifestyle. It improves the overall quality of your life. Also, it’s never too late to start taking care of your health. Now is the perfect time for that. By following just a few simple healthy, you can upgrade your life to another level.