Importance of Nutrition

Knowledge of the basic nutritional needs of human beings is based on decades of sound scientific research. The basic daily requirement for protein and fat is generally unrelated to sex, age and weight and is the same for healthy as well as unwell individuals. Quantities however may vary depending on the degree of absorption in the intestines or if metabolic disorders exist.

In addition to this there is a need for energy, preferably from carbohydrates that will be absorbed more slowly in the intestines, thus causing moderate increases in blood sugar and insulin levels. Quick absorbing carbohydrates such as cane sugar, wheat, starch and the like, add energy for sure, but are not included in the basic physiological needs. On the contrary, a diet including higher quantities of these may lead to health problems and illness and increased fat disposition in the body. Slow carbohydrates are therefore preferable as a source of energy.

Recent research has also shown that it is not just the chemical structure of carbohydrates that affects the blood sugar curve, i.e. the glycaemic index (GI), but also factors like the dietary structure, fat and protein content (type, amount and balance) and dietary fibre.

One important aspect of nutrition is its impact on our brain functions. Research has shown that concentration levels and problem solving abilities (as per accepted test models) will both improve given the right proteins and fats in combination with slow carbohydrates, which will result in a flat blood sugar curve.

Meals and snack meals
Specific proteins and fats, i.e. essential amino and fatty acids and carbohydrates must be provided through diet several times a day for the “inner maintenance and repair” of all vital cell functions and tissues. Our body produces billions of cells every day and this includes the immune system that wards off infections and other illnesses. If the body fails to receive some of these vital building blocks from the diet, its inner ability to restructure will be adversely affected, resulting in illnesses, a poorer quality of life and, in the worse case scenario, a shortened life expectancy.

Every meal is important! The intestines demand natural food in order to provide optimal nutrition over time. One major mistake in today’s dietary habits is the high consumption of quick carbohydrates, leading to physical and mental imbalances, weight problems and illness. A healthy meal and a snack meal should therefore always include the right balance of protein and fat as well a slow absorbing carbohydrates with a low GI (<55) providing a flat blood sugar curve.

Lifestyle illnesses like obesity and type 2 diabetes are increasing dramatically all over the world and are strongly associated with deficiencies in the composition of both main and snack meals.