WHAT HAPPENS TO THE FOOD YOU EAT? 

Human Nutrition, study of how food affects the health and survival of the human body. Human beings require food to grow, reproduce, and maintain good health. Without food, our bodies could not stay warm, build or repair tissue, or maintain a heartbeat. Eating the right foods can help us avoid certain diseases or recover faster when illness occurs. These and other important functions are fueled by chemical substances in our food called nutrients. Nutrients are classified as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water.

When we eat a meal, nutrients are released from food through digestion

. Digestion begins in the mouth by the action of chewing and the chemical activity of saliva, a watery fluid that contains enzymes, certain proteins that help break down food. Further digestion occurs as food travels through the stomach and the small intestine, where digestive enzymes and acids liquefy food and muscle contractions push it along the digestive tract. Nutrients are absorbed from the inside of the small intestine into the bloodstream and carried to the sites in the body where they are needed. At these sites, several chemical reactions occur that ensure the growth and function of body tissues. The parts of foods that are not absorbed continue to move down the intestinal tract and are eliminated from the body as feces.

Once digested, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats provide the body with the energy it needs to maintain its many functions. Scientists measure this energy in kilocalories, the amount of energy needed to raise 1 kilogram of water 1 degree Celsius. In nutrition discussions, scientists use the term calorie instead of kilocalorie as the standard unit of measure in nutrition.

HEALTH AND NUTRITION SITES

 http://www.acefitness.org/

http://www.fitpro.com/education/index.cfm

http://www.ideafit.com/

http://www.ifafitness.com/

SIMPLE HEALTH PLAN

These American Institute for Cancer Research recommendations on diet and lifestyle can provide a starting point for your own healthy eating plan:

• Don't eat more than 3 ounces of red meat daily -- about the size of a deck of cards.
• Limit fatty foods.
• Avoid salty snacks, and use herbs and spices instead of salt as seasoning.
• Men should limit alcoholic drinks to two per day; women, to one per day.
• Do not eat charred food.
• Avoid being overweight. Limit weight gain during adulthood.
• Take an hour's brisk walk (or get equivalent exercise) daily.