Nutrition and dietetics

The following session will cover nutrition and dietetics, including how nutrients and balanced food choices support overall health and well being. We will discuss the roles of macronutrients and micronutrients, the effects of malnutrition and overnutrition, and the importance of adapting diets through different life stages. The lecture will also cover dietary guidelines, special dietary needs, and the role of dietitians in optimizing nutrition, including the appropriate use of supplements when necessary. Today's lecture will provide an overview of nutrition and dietetics, highlighting how smart food choices and nutrient intake lay the foundation for good health. Nutrition is the science of how food nourishes our bodies and impacts overall well being. Each day, our bodies need various nutrients in specific amounts to function properly. Nutrients provide energy, build and repair tissues, and regulate key processes. Achieving proper intake involves more than counting calories. It's about understanding and balancing nutrients. A balanced diet involves consuming appropriate amounts of macronutrients, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, as well as micronutrients like vitamins and minerals. Carbohydrates provide energy, proteins aid growth and repair, and fats support cell function. Micronutrients such as vitamins A, C, D, iron and zinc are essential for immune function, bone health, and oxygen transport. Maintaining the right balance is crucial for health and performance.