Iron and Health

Iron resembles toughness and strength and it’s interesting to see whether iron provides the main power and strength to the basic skeleton and bones of the body and whether the immune system is also dependent on iron. But interestingly the strength and development of bones are not dependent on iron, this right belongs to Calcium and for muscular strength and immune system of the body protein is the key element.

Iron is an important component of blood and lies in Haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is the oxygen carrying part of the red blood cells. If the daily diet does not contain the recommended amount of iron it leads to anaemia. In case of anaemia eyes get pale yellow colored and the iron deficiency has an over all impact on other systems of body because Iron is also an important component of several enzymes.

Iron is found in meat, liver, whole meal, cereals, peas, beans and lentils. Other than meat and liver all sources of iron has faster digestive abilities. Normally, about 10% of the ingested iron is absorbed. Vitamin C helps in iron absorption. Excess of consumed iron is stored in the liver.

Iodine and Health

Iodine is also an important part of our diet and should never be ignored. It’s normally seen that most of us are dependent on daily used salt for iodine requirements to the body. Before we stick to some conclusion of requirement of iodine and its sources we should not be confined to salt. People who are not aware keep on taking normal salt which does not supplement the iodine needs.

Iodine is found in seafood, trace amounts in water and food, except in mountainous areas, iodized salt. Among all rich sources of iodine salt and seafood are easily available and mostly consumed.

Iodine is required in proper quantity on daily basis because it is required for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland controls growth and development, menstruation and many other vital body functions. If a pregnant woman is not including iodine in her diet her child may be iodine deficient and the child can be affected from malfunctioning of thyroid glands. If the malfunctioning of thyroid gland is a congenial problem, it’s difficult to cure and probably impossible if not taken care well.

Fat and Health

Rich sources of fat: There are two types of fats, one is saturated and another one is unsaturated. The substances that give fats their different flavors, textures, and melting points are known as the “fatty acids.” Fat is found in all types of edible oils, pulses, beans, egg yolk, coconut, milk, meat, fish, etc. 

Why do we need fat in our body: Most of our organs have an inner layer of fats which protect the organs from internal digestion and in absence of this layer the person can have ulcer, which is a painful disease. In addition to providing energy, fats act as carriers for the fat-soluble vitamins, A, D, E, and K. By aiding in the absorption of vitamin D, fats help make calcium available to body tissues, particularly to the bones and teeth. 

How much fat we require on daily basis: Our diet should contain about 2 to 3% of fat. However fat in general has a bad name for making people obese and for several body impairments. Whatever calories we fail to burn every day is converted into fat and stored in body. Fat is important for body but not the extra fat. 

Absorption and storage of fat in body: Fats are digested by a pancreatic enzyme and broken down into smaller components, which are emulsified with the help of bile salts and absorbed. Fatty acids are stored in the liver, where they may be converted into cholesterol and other types of fat. 

Carbohydrates and Health

Rich sources of Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are primarily found in foods like grains and potatoes. The principal carbohydrates present in foods are sugars, starches, and cellulose. Simple sugars in honey and fruits are very easily digested. Double sugars, such as table sugar, require some digestive action.

Why do we require Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are the chief source of energy which provides the calorie requirement to body and keeps the body functioning. Carbohydrates are the chief source of energy for all body functions and muscular exertion and are necessary to assist in the digestion and assimilation of other foods. Carbohydrates provide us with immediately available calories for energy.

How much Carbohydrate we require daily: There has been no recommended amount for Carbohydrates to be taken on daily basis. Carbohydrates are manufactured in the body from some amino acids and the glycerol component of fats. Requirement of Carbohydrates is dependent on metabolism rate and activity level of individuals.

Absorption and storage of Carbohydrates in body: Whatever sugars and starches we consume are converted by the digestive juices to a simple sugar called “glucose”. Some of this glucose, or “blood sugar,” is used as fuel by tissues of the brain, nervous system, and muscles.