Nutritional Value of Food Products

718 Words2 Pages

The nutritional value of a food product is defined by the amount of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, fibre, minerals and vitamins that it contains per serving. It is important to consume a moderated amount of these components in order to stay healthy and prevent diseases that may result from deficiency of these components or from excess of these components in the body. Generally, it is important to limit the consumption of carbohydrates and fats while consuming sufficient amounts of proteins, vitamins and minerals.

Brand X carrot puree is adversited of being low in fat, high in proteins, high in minerals, high in simple sugars and high in Vitamin C.

Fat, proteins and carbohydrates are macronutrients, which are necessary components of a healthy diet. Firstly, fat is necessary as it is a source of energy and energy store for the body, and provides certain fatty acids that the body cannot produce. However, eating food with high fat content can eventually lead to serious health problems such as heart diseases, diabetes and high blood pressure. Protein intake is another important component of nutrition as the body can only create 10 of the 20 essential amino acids. The other 10 have to come from the food consumed. Proteins are essential for tissue repair, enzymes, hormones for metabolic processes and most importanly, antibodies that make up part of the immune system. Simple sugars are also a necessity for cellular respiration, which is fundamentally necessary for energy. In addition, fibres are needed to maintain good digestive health.

Although vitamins and minerals are micronutrients, they play significant roles in body function as well. Minerals also serve many functions in the body and hence, they need to be included in our diet...

... middle of paper ...

...oles in body function as well. Minerals also serve many functions in the body and hence, they need to be included in our diet. Minerals are vital for enzymes to function, for maintaining the pH balance of the body and proper nerve conduction, for facilitating the transfer of nutrients across cell membranes, for aiding in function of muscles, regulation of body tissue growth and for providing the body with structural and functional support. Vitamins, in general, are antioxidants and are important in fighting off free radicals in the body.

Hence, a food product has good nutritional value when it has a balanced content of fats, proteins, carbohydrates, fibres, minerals and vitamins. It is especially important to feed a baby of 4-8 months old with food of the right nutritional value, as this is the stage where a baby starts consuming solid food after being breastfed.

More about Nutritional Value of Food Products

Open Document