Clinic Profile                                                     

 

NUTRITION

By Chinnamma Belgaumkar

I would like to talk a little about the importance of Nutrition. Nutrition is any substance that is digested absorbed and utilized to promote the body’s functions. The main substances are carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, mineral salts and water. Carbohydrates are found in potatoes, bread, pasta, cereals, fruits etc. It gives energy. But one should consider according to their age, type of work, activities, to see how much one should take. If some one is diabetic, he or she has to check with their Doctor how much they are allowed.

First class proteins are meat, milk, dairy products, fish, eggs, soya beans etc. Second class proteins are beans, peas, lentils etc. What do proteins do for us? They provide growth and repair of body cells and tissues. One of the important vitamins that we should have is Vitamin A which is found in egg yolk. Other important foods are liver, fish, oil, milk, cheese and butter, green vegetables, fruits and carrots etc. The deficiencies of Vitamin A are night blindness, drying and ulceration of cornea. Vitamin D — is found in eggs, butter cheese, liver, fish oils etc. This helps the calcification of bones and teeth. Vitamin E — is found in nuts, egg yoke, wheat germ, whole cereal, milk, and butter. The deficiencies are cystic fibrosis and blind spots in the retina etc. Vitamin K—is found in fish, liver, leafy green vegetables and fruits etc. This helps the clotting of blood. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) — is found in yeast, green vegetables, milk, liver, eggs, cheese, fish. Deficiency causes blurred vision, cataract formation, corneal ulceration, cracking of the skin, especially around the mouth. Vitamin B6 — is found in egg yoke, peas, beans soya beans, yeast, meat, and liver. This help build antibodies to fight the infection. Vitamin B12 — is found in meat, liver, milk, fermented liquors etc. This is essential for red bone marrow production and protects some nerve fibers. Deficiencies in Vitamin B12 causes anemia. Vitamins C — is found in fresh fruits, black currents, oranges, grapefruit, lemons, green vegetables. Deficiencies can cause swollen and spongy gums, anemia, hemorrhage under the skin and joints. It is obvious that vitamins are critical for healthy bodies.