Proper nutrition is defined as a person's diet supplies all the seeential nutrients to carry out normal tissue growth, repair, and maintenance. The best way to obtain nutrients in the diet is by eating a variety of foods. Out of the 2.1 million deaths in the U.S. in 1987, an estimated 1.5 million died of diseases related to poor nutrition. A fact dealing with nutrition is that half of the the American population do not eat fruit, and a quarter of the population does not eat vegetables. Used to measure the energy value of food and cost of physical activity.
Carbohydrates are the major source of energy for the body.
Each carbohydrate gram provides the body with four calories. Dietary fiber is a carbohydrate found in leaves, skins, roots, and seeds. Dietary fiber cannot be digested by the body, but is essential in the digestion process. Recommended amount of dietary fiber is 20-35 grams per day. Fats are used for energy, preserve heat, absorb shock, and supply essential fatty acids.