As the fields of molecular biology, biochemistry, and even genetics advance with time, nutrition has become more focused on the process of metabolism and all of the metabolic pathways that occur. In simple terms, metabolic pathways can be defined as the biochemical steps through which substances inside a living organism is transformed from one form to another.
Nutrition also focuses on how the risk of diseases and certain health-related issues problems can be reduced through diet. Furthermore, nutrition also involves identifying how health issues can occur due to dietary factors, food allergies, and food intolerances.
The type of diet that a person needs to consume to maintain a healthy life is also dependent on their age. However, the basics are more or less the same across the lifespan.
According to science, the human body should consume a total of seven dietary factors:
- Protein
- Carbohydrates
- Fat
- Vitamin
- Mineral
- Fiber
- Water
Breaking things down, there are two types of nutrients:
- Macronutrients. These are nutrients we need comparatively in large quantities while the
- Micronutrients. These are ones that we need in relatively small quantities.
Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats fall under macronutrients.
Understanding Carbohydrates
Carbohydrate molecules include monosaccharides (glucose, fructose, and galactose), disaccharides, and starch.
Nutritionally, starch is superior over monosaccharides due to their complex structure, and therefore they take longer to break down and to be absorbed into the bloodstream. This means that they don’t cause a major spike in blood sugar levels, which are related to heart and vascular diseases.
Proteins
There are a total of 20 amino acids; organic compounds found in nature that combines to form proteins. Some amino acids are essential, meaning they need to be consumed for healthy living. Other amino acids are unnecessary because the body can make them on its own.
Fats
Fats are triglycerides; they are three molecules of fatty acid united with a single molecule of alcohol glycerol. Keep in mind that fatty acids are simple compounds (monomers) while triglycerides happen to be complex molecules (polymers).
Fats are required in a person’s healthy diet, as they serve many functions. These functions include lubricating joints, helping organs produce hormones, offering support in the absorption of certain vitamins, reducing inflammation and preserving brain health.
Fiber
According to studies, fiber mainly consists of carbohydrates. However, because the body doesn’t easily break fiber down, not much of the sugars and starches get into the bloodstream. Fiber is a vital part of nutrition, health, and fuel for gut microorganisms.
Water
You should know that around 70% of the non-fat mass present in the human body consists of water. That’s why it is vital for many processes in the human body.
Nobody is entirely sure how much water the human body needs. Claims vary from drinking 1 to 5 liters per day to avoid lack of fluids. However, we do know that water is very closely linked to body size, the aging process, environmental temperatures, physical activity, and mental health. Also, somebody who consumes a lot of salt will need to drink more water to maintain their health.
When it comes to nutrition across the lifespan, there isn’t a set of rules to follow. You still need to consume proper amounts of macro and micronutrients. The only things you need to keep in mind that if you’re able to maintain a healthy diet from a young age, you’ll reduce the risk of physical and mental ailments as you age.
However, if you’re still looking for an answer, health experts suggest that people should reduce or completely avoid consuming processed food near the age of 30. It’s also recommended to increase the intake of protein from fish with age to ensure mental stability as the body becomes elderly.
