Essential Nutrients
NAME: LAVERNE HILL
LECTURER: MR. NATHANIEL GALE
SUBJECT: INTRODUCTION TO NUTRITION
Introduction
Good food is a basic requirement for the human body. It is of prime importance in the attainment of normal growth and development. Food not only satisfies the appetite but aids in the maintenance of all body processes and supply essential energy required for maintaining body temperature and activity. In the role of nutrition, food cannot be neglected in the promotion of health and prevention of disease .The understanding of these concepts in addition to the basics of proper nutrition taught in class have made me adapt a new manifesto towards a healthier lifestyle. The Trinidadian culture of meals consisting of an array of staples and stews has changed and I am now mindful of choosing meals and snacks that are fortified with essential vitamins and minerals from the six food groups as well the preparation methods. In my quest for a healthier lifestyle, I have done some additional research on vitamins. Vitamins are micronutrients they are either water soluble or fat soluble. They are organic compounds that are needed in small quantities to sustain life and maintain proper bodily functions. There are several types of vitamins but I have found Vitamin C to be one of the most important vitamins that the body require. In this essay I would be discussing Vitamin C, the food source, function and illness that can occur from a deficiency or overuse of this vitamin.
The food source
The chemical name for Vitamin C is as ascorbic acid; this vitamin is water soluble and it is easily ingested into the blood stream and any extra amount of vitamin C is lost in the urine. Vitamin C is best obtained from fresh citrus fruits like lemon, orange, mango, watermelon, pineapple; cantaloupes, guavas and strawberries since the highest concentration of vitamin C are found in these fruits. Other sources include vegetables. Some vegetables with the highest source of
LECTURER: MR. NATHANIEL GALE
SUBJECT: INTRODUCTION TO NUTRITION
Introduction
Good food is a basic requirement for the human body. It is of prime importance in the attainment of normal growth and development. Food not only satisfies the appetite but aids in the maintenance of all body processes and supply essential energy required for maintaining body temperature and activity. In the role of nutrition, food cannot be neglected in the promotion of health and prevention of disease .The understanding of these concepts in addition to the basics of proper nutrition taught in class have made me adapt a new manifesto towards a healthier lifestyle. The Trinidadian culture of meals consisting of an array of staples and stews has changed and I am now mindful of choosing meals and snacks that are fortified with essential vitamins and minerals from the six food groups as well the preparation methods. In my quest for a healthier lifestyle, I have done some additional research on vitamins. Vitamins are micronutrients they are either water soluble or fat soluble. They are organic compounds that are needed in small quantities to sustain life and maintain proper bodily functions. There are several types of vitamins but I have found Vitamin C to be one of the most important vitamins that the body require. In this essay I would be discussing Vitamin C, the food source, function and illness that can occur from a deficiency or overuse of this vitamin.
The food source
The chemical name for Vitamin C is as ascorbic acid; this vitamin is water soluble and it is easily ingested into the blood stream and any extra amount of vitamin C is lost in the urine. Vitamin C is best obtained from fresh citrus fruits like lemon, orange, mango, watermelon, pineapple; cantaloupes, guavas and strawberries since the highest concentration of vitamin C are found in these fruits. Other sources include vegetables. Some vegetables with the highest source of
References: Benefits of Vitamin C Fulfill Your Body 's Critical Needs. (n.d.). Joint and Muscle Pain Relief Safely Without Risk to Your Health. Retrieved April 23, 2013, from http://www.joint-muscle-relief.com/benefits-of-vitamin-C.html Goepp, J., & MD. (n.d.). Newly Discovered Benefits Of Vitamin C - Life Extension. Highest Quality Vitamins And Supplements - Life Extension. Retrieved April 23, 2013, from http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2008/apr2008_Newly-Discovered-Benefits-Of-Vitamin-C_01.htm Vitamin C Benefits, Sources, Supplements, & More. (n.d.). WebMD - Better information. Better health.. Retrieved April 23, 2013, from http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-benefits-of-vitamin-c Vitamin C Deficiency | Doctor | Patient.co.uk. (n.d.). Health Information and Advice | Medicines Guide | Patient.co.uk. Retrieved April 23, 2013, from http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/vitamin-c-deficiency Vitamin C Overdose - Can You Really Overdose On Too Much Vitamin C? - The Fun Times Guide to Healthy Living. (n.d.). The Fun Times Guide to Healthy Living - Health Facts | DIY Home Remedies | Health Tips. Retrieved April 23, 2013, from http://health.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/12/vitamin_c_overdose.php