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Nutrition is the many processes involved in the ingestion, digestion, absorption, and use of foods and fluids in the body. Poor eating habits and a poor diet make a resident more susceptible to infection and chronic diseases. Abnormalities in body functions and healing problems are also related to poor diet. Besides eating for basic nutrition, eating and drinking play an important role in social interaction. Foods are broken down into four basic groups: - Milk and Dairy Products: The main nutrients found in milk and dairy products are protein, fat, carbohydrates, calcium, and riboflavin. Mild and foods made from whole or skim milk are in this group, i.e., cheese, ice cream. Aging adults require at least two 8 oz. of milk or milk products to maintain a healthy diet. - Meat and Fish: Protein, fat, iron and thiamin are the main nutrients found in meats and fish. Two or more servings are required daily from this group. A serving is defined as two to three ounces of meat, fish or poultry. Additionally, meat substitutes such as dry beans, peas, nuts, and peanut butter are included. - Fruits and Vegetables: The important nutrients found in fruits and vegetables are vitamins A and C, carbohydrates, and small amounts of other nutrients. Four or more servings are required daily. - Bread and Cereals: Protein, carbohydrates, iron, thiamin, niacin, and riboflavin are the main nutrients in this group. This includes bread, cereal, pasta, and crackers. Four or more servings of bread and cereal are needed daily. -Nutrients: Foods and fluids contain nutrients. A nutrient is a substance that is ingested, digested, absorbed, and then used by the body. At least 35 nutrients are essential for normal body functioning. Nutrients are grouped into five categories: - Vitamins: Vitamins do not provide calories, but are essential nutrients. They are ingested through food and most can not be produced by the body. Each vitamin is needed for a specific bodily function.. The lack of a particular vitamin results in signs and symptoms of a particular disease. - Minerals: Similar to vitamins, minerals are involved in many body functions. They are needed for bone and tooth formation, nerve and muscle function and fluid balance. Minerals are obtained through a healthy and well-rounded diet. - Protein: Protein is the most important nutrient and is needed for tissue growth and repair. Sources of protein include meat, fish, poultry, eggs, milk and milk products, cereal, beans, and nuts. Every body cell is made up of protein. - Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates provide the body with energy. They also provide fiber for elimination of the bowel. Carbohydrates are found in fruits, vegetables, breads, cereals, and sugar. Carbohydrates are broken down into sugars during digestion. The sugars are then absorbed into the bloodstream. The fiber in foods that contain carbohydrates is not digested and provides the bulky part of chyme in the elimination process. - Fats: Fats also provide energy. They add flavor to food and help the body use certain vitamins. Fats also conserve body heat and protect organs from injury. Sources of fat include meats, butter, milk, cheese, egg yolks, and nuts. |