Principles Of Nutrition
Full Answer Section
Typical Nutritional Needs of Adults The nutritional needs of adults vary depending on their age, sex, activity level, and overall health status. However, there are some general guidelines that can be followed.- Energy: Adults need enough energy to fuel their daily activities. The amount of energy they need will vary depending on their activity level. For example, a sedentary adult may need around 2,000 calories per day, while an active adult may need around 3,000 calories per day.
- Protein: Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues. Adults need around 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. For example, a 70-kilogram adult would need around 56 grams of protein per day.
- Fat: Fat is essential for absorbing vitamins and providing energy. Adults need around 20-35% of their calories from fat. However, it is important to choose healthy fats, such as those found in avocados, nuts, and seeds.
- Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy. Adults need around 45-65% of their calories from carbohydrates. However, it is important to choose complex carbohydrates, such as those found in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
- Fruits: Fruits are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They can be eaten fresh, frozen, or canned.
- Vegetables: Vegetables are also a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They can be eaten raw, cooked, or roasted.
- Whole grains: Whole grains are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They include brown rice, quinoa, whole-wheat bread, and whole-wheat pasta.
- Lean protein: Lean protein is a good source of protein and other nutrients. It includes chicken, fish, beans, and lentils.
- Healthy fats: Healthy fats are a good source of essential fatty acids. They include avocados, nuts, and seeds.
- Protein: 20-30% of calories
- Fat: 20-35% of calories
- Carbohydrates: 45-65% of calories
- Processed foods: Processed foods are often high in unhealthy fats, sugar, and sodium.
- Fast food: Fast food is often high in unhealthy fats, sugar, and sodium.
- Sugary drinks: Sugary drinks are high in calories and sugar. They can contribute to weight gain and other health problems.
- Salty foods: Salty foods can contribute to high blood pressure.
- Obesity: Obesity is a major risk factor for a number of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.
- Heart disease: Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Poor nutrition can increase the risk of heart disease by increasing cholesterol levels and inflammation.
- Stroke: Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Poor nutrition can increase the risk of stroke by increasing blood pressure and blood clots.
- Type 2 diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body metabolizes sugar. Poor