# Nutrition: The Foundation for a Healthy Life

Nutrition is the foundation for a healthy life. It provides the body with the nutrients it needs to function properly and helps to protect against disease. Eating a healthy diet can help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer, and improve your overall health and well-being.

## Nutrients

Nutrients are the building blocks of a healthy diet. They are found in the foods we eat and are essential for our bodies to function properly. There are six essential nutrients: carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water.

• Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of energy. They are found in foods such as bread, pasta, rice, fruits, and vegetables.
• Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues. It is found in foods such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, and beans.
• Fat is essential for hormone production and cell function. It is found in foods such as butter, oil, nuts, and seeds.
• Vitamins are essential for a variety of bodily functions, such as growth, immunity, and vision. They are found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Minerals are also essential for a variety of bodily functions, such as bone health, muscle function, and fluid balance. They are found in foods such as milk, yogurt, cheese, and leafy green vegetables.
• Water is essential for life. It helps to regulate body temperature, lubricate joints, and transport nutrients and oxygen to cells.

## Healthy Eating

Eating a healthy diet means eating a variety of foods from all food groups. The MyPlate guidelines recommend that adults fill half their plate with fruits and vegetables, a quarter with whole grains, and a quarter with lean protein. They also recommend limiting unhealthy fats, added sugar, and sodium.