There is no lack of nutrition data available to those who want to learn about health. Federal guidelines for a balanced diet and labels on every food product sold in the United States provide information. For more information, or for alternative views, there are too many nutritional guides and online sites to assimilate.
If you are a beginner to this study, read the federal guidelines for a basic, conventional view of foods that promote health. There will be minimum daily requirements for vitamins and minerals; an ideal calorie allotment geared to age, height, and activity level; a standard for protein, carbohydrate, and fiber intake.
Things are complicated by the fact that everyone is an individual, with specific needs that might be different from those of the general public or even members of the same family. For instance, whole wheat bread could be a good source of fiber, B vitamins, and calcium for those who can digest wheat gluten without problems. For others, even one slice can cause gastric distress.
Food can contain allergens that make it indigestible for a person who will get little or no nutrition out of it. Foods can also be laced with preservatives, artificial flavors and colors (that can trigger hyperactivity in children), sweeteners, sodium, or spices that might make it a poor choice. Fresh produce can be tainted with pesticide residue and could even be genetically modified.
This is why it pays to know what ingredients are in your food and where it comes from. Produce grown in other countries might have a higher pesticide content - but not necessarily. Exotic fruits and vegetables probably will be picked before full ripeness, and long shipping times can lessen the food value considerably.
Advice books on weight control, energy, mental alertness, and more abound, each with a point of view. One says to eat whole wheat bread you make yourself, and others that say you should never eat the grain in any form. Some books promote high protein, others say that a small number of almonds contain all the protein you need for one day.
The best practice is to read as much reputable nutrition data as you can, to get a consensus of opinion. Then try some of the programs for yourself. If you are sensitive to wheat or dairy, you will soon know. If you must eliminate certain foods to feel your best, make sure to find acceptable sources of the nutrients you will be missing. The more you investigate and experiment, the more you will feel sure of satisfying your own personal needs.
If you are a beginner to this study, read the federal guidelines for a basic, conventional view of foods that promote health. There will be minimum daily requirements for vitamins and minerals; an ideal calorie allotment geared to age, height, and activity level; a standard for protein, carbohydrate, and fiber intake.
Things are complicated by the fact that everyone is an individual, with specific needs that might be different from those of the general public or even members of the same family. For instance, whole wheat bread could be a good source of fiber, B vitamins, and calcium for those who can digest wheat gluten without problems. For others, even one slice can cause gastric distress.
Food can contain allergens that make it indigestible for a person who will get little or no nutrition out of it. Foods can also be laced with preservatives, artificial flavors and colors (that can trigger hyperactivity in children), sweeteners, sodium, or spices that might make it a poor choice. Fresh produce can be tainted with pesticide residue and could even be genetically modified.
This is why it pays to know what ingredients are in your food and where it comes from. Produce grown in other countries might have a higher pesticide content - but not necessarily. Exotic fruits and vegetables probably will be picked before full ripeness, and long shipping times can lessen the food value considerably.
Advice books on weight control, energy, mental alertness, and more abound, each with a point of view. One says to eat whole wheat bread you make yourself, and others that say you should never eat the grain in any form. Some books promote high protein, others say that a small number of almonds contain all the protein you need for one day.
The best practice is to read as much reputable nutrition data as you can, to get a consensus of opinion. Then try some of the programs for yourself. If you are sensitive to wheat or dairy, you will soon know. If you must eliminate certain foods to feel your best, make sure to find acceptable sources of the nutrients you will be missing. The more you investigate and experiment, the more you will feel sure of satisfying your own personal needs.
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