What is Nutrition?

Many factors play a part in a person's body staying healthy and fit, and one of the most significant contributors is the food that they eat. Nutrition is the food put into a body to provide nutrients for the body to gain energy and stay healthy. While nutrition is easy to lose sight of in the fast-paced days of busy lives, it is critical to sustaining life-long health.

There is no question that sugary drinks and snacks provide few nutrients that affect energy, growth, and immune system support. In contrast, many nutrient-dense foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy proteins contribute to the body's ability, wellness, energy, and growth. Studies demonstrate that children and adults who are provided a nutrient-dense diet have stronger health and immune systems, a lower risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and live longer lives. In addition, children and adults with proper nutrition are able to focus better, learn more easily, and be more productive.

Nutritionists work with individuals and populations to determine what foods fuel bodies with the appropriate vitamins, minerals, and nutrients in order to maintain health or, in some cases, improve health. There is a multitude of options to work in a field related to nutrition, including government agencies, schools, clinics, and research facilities. Plus, while the basics of nutrition might be similar, individual needs can vary based on environment and genetics. Hence, nutrition is a highly varied field.

Nutritionists and dieticians require different routes in higher education, sometimes requiring clinical hours or supervised practices. The opportunities to continue learning and gain knowledge about nutrition are available from bachelor's degrees to master's programs. Some can also earn credentials such as certified nutrition specialists or clinical nutritionists.

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Nutrition Topics

Community Nutrition

Discover the importance and meaning of community nutrition. Explore community nutrition programs as well as the role played by community nutritionists.

Metabolism

Read a metabolism overview. See a metabolism definition and example, and learn about the components and functions of metabolism.

Nutrients in Food

Learn about essential nutrients and see why nutrition is important. Explore macronutrients and micronutrients and study examples of nutrients and their functions.

Sports Nutrition

Learn the definition of sports nutrition. Explore the link between nutrition and fitness, the benefits of athletes' nutrition, and a nutritionist's role.

Health and Nutrition Educational Resources

Between social media and educational sites, resources for discussing ideas surrounding nutrition are abundant. Study.com provides easy-to-use and understandable content that addresses a variety of relevant and applicable health and nutrition topics. The accessible resources offer opportunities for all learners, from those seeking a foundational understanding of health and nutrition to those who need support and a tutor to help grasp complex concepts.

Nutrition Courses and Lessons

The library of courses in nutrition and health provides the groundwork for a strong understanding of concepts surrounding wellness. These engaging courses are self-paced, with short videos that break the information into digestible chunks. Study.com's courses in nutrition utilize accessible assignments and quizzes to support learners in understanding the content and realizing the value of the information.

Nutrition 101: Science of Nutrition

In this course, learners will engage in activities like examining the guidelines for a healthy diet, comparing, analyzing, and creating healthy eating plans, explaining the causes and treatments for eating disorders, and assessing the problem with obesity.
Health 101: Principles of Health

This course's valuable content starts with establishing the definition of wellness and the factors that contribute to or detract from health. Learners will then explore topics like healthy relationships, risk management strategies, and the health care system.
General Studies Health Science: Help & Review

Ideal for first time learners and those looking to refresh their knowledge, this course explores health issues and effects, healthy lifestyle choices, and substance dependence disorders. Learners also have access to practice tests for additional review.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the meaning of health and nutrition?

    The meaning of health and nutrition is about creating a sustainable lifestyle that helps strengthen the body. In many cases, good and healthy fitness habits contribute to the stamina of the physical body as well as the health of the mind and emotions.

  • Why are health and nutrition important?

    Health and nutrition play a significant role in the quality of life. From supporting growth and providing energy to supporting the immune system and assisting in mobility, health and nutrition are essential.