Foods that heal

There are four basic nutrients – water, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, together with essential vitamins, minerals and other micronutrients that form the foundation of good health. By choosing the best forms of these nutrients, and eating them in proper balance, you enable your body to function at optimal health and wellness.

Protein for Growth

When protein is consumed it breaks down into amino acids, the building blocks. Amino acids are divided into essential (must come from the diet), and non-essential (can be synthesized by the body).

Protein is responsible for growth and repair, preservation of muscle mass, hormone and enzyme production, the immune system and to provide energy if carbohydrates aren’t available. Protein builds new cells and fixes damaged ones.

Essential amino acids is found mostly in meat, eggs, fish, nuts, seeds, soy, tofu, beans and plain yoghurt. Eat atleast 50 gms of protein per day in a variety of forms.

Carbohydrates for Energy

Carbohydrates are broken down into two forms, simple carbohydrates such as glucose, fructose and lactose. Fruits are the richest natural form of simple carbohydrates which is your body’s main source of energy. Complex carbohydrates on the other hand include fiber and startches, and the best forms are vegetables, whole grains, peas, and beans.

Carbohydrates are important for your brain, nervous system, kidneys and muscles. They are mainly stored in the liver and muscles to use later for energy. Fiber, a type of carbohydrate, removes waste and promotes bowel health by allowing waste to move more quickly through your gut. They are mostly found in grains, fruits and milk but are also found in nuts, seeds, beans and vegetables.

Fats for Health

Fats are broken down into their simplest form of fatty acids. Fat is used for cell membranes, energy, absorbing fat soluble vitamins, support for your internal organs and to provide taste and texture to food. Types of fats are monounsaturated, saturated and trans fats.

Bad fats, otherwise known as saturated fats, are meat, butter and lard. Trans fats, or very bad fats, are in baked goods, fried foods and snack food.

Good fats, or unsaturated fats, include olive oil, avocados and nuts.

Water Functions

Your body is two-thirds water and an essential nutrient that is involved in every function of your body. You drink water to replenish what you lose through waste removal, sweat and everyday metabolic functions. Water is important for keeping a normal body temperature, absorption, circulation, excretion, digestion, and for the utilization of water-soluble vitamins. Drinking at least 2 liters of water per day is essential.