What is nutrition?

Nutrition is defined as the study of food and how it affects health. Nutrients are substances found in foods that our bodies use to grow, reproduce, and survive. These nutrients are converted into energy called ATP (adenosine triphosphate).

How does the body create "energy"?

Usable energy is created or reconstructed through the processes of glycolysis, Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. Foods contain over 40 something nutrients, but those are compartmentalized into 7 types: vitamins, minerals, fats, protein, carbohydrates, fiber, but MOST essential is WATER. Water is the most abundant resource found on the planet; you can say the planet IS water, mostly. So are we; similiar to nature, we are composed of about 70% water. But the water in our body is in a structured form of H3O2. H3O2 is found in the gelatinous water of any fruit. I highly recommend implementing fruit into the diet for a healthier lifestyle. When an average hue-man eats the right diet consisting of natural foods; they lessen their chance of experiencing health issues.

EFFECTS OF PROCESSED FOODS

'Novel' Organisms

Eating processed foods can result in substances that don't complement our natural bio- physiological makeup. IF you're not familiar with the word 'novel'. In etymology, it means new, so new organisms are introduced in the body when we eat foods that have been processed or genetically engineered. Does that bother anyone? What are these novel organisms that are prevalent in these foods?

Increased Risk of Dis-ease

Studies have shown that diseases like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes ae more prevalent in peoples whose diets consisted of processed foods. Higher amounts of added sugars, sodium, and fat are found in ultra processed foods like cookies and breakfast cereals.

According to the LHSFNA, half of Americans' calories come from processed foods. Thats 50% of the average diet consisting of calories from foods that aren't in their original form.

Little to No Nutritional Value

Packaged goods are stripped of their basic nutrients in most of the chemical processes before they reach the shelves. Most breads and pastas have to be re-fortified with vitamins, minerals, and fiber known as enrichment. This practice is done to provide convenient and shelf-stable items that won't perish over a short period pf time. The drawback of this practice is that people have started adapting to choosing convenience over health.

Additives

IF you read the packaging on most these labels; they contain a large amount of ingredients that the general public aren't knowledgeable of. The list usually includes additives, flavor enhancements, and caking agents. The consumption of these so- called foods long term are found to have adverse health effects. Eat foods that have a reasonable amount of ingredients and educate yourself on what you consume.

BACK 222 NATURE

The word nature comes from the Latin word 'nat' or 'nasci' meaning to birth, in other words, to grow or produce/create. I believe we were also put here to learn to be righteous stewards of ourselves and our environment. How we care for our environment, like our own child, is a reflection of who we are. When you go out in nature, does it soothe? Does it bring back memories? Can you feel something greater than yourself at play? What if I told you the outside was just a reflection of what's inside? STRESS, BILLS, TRAUMA, DISTRACTIONS all keep us too preoccupied to observe and "BE" with this beautiful mosaic of trees, grasslands, shrubs, breezes of wind and wisps of white layered in the clouds. THAT'S US! Did We Forget? Each individual can do their part by continuing on your journey. Start growing some vegetables and a couple herbs in some small pots no excuses. If you have limited space, plant a few microgreens (ready in 2- 3 weeks) in seed trays to save a couple dollars on grocery trips.

DID YOU KNOW?

Old wives tale says that if certain medicinal plants are growing nearby, there's a need for them somewhere.