Introduction
“I think you’ve got to keep it simple and keep it fresh. Stay away from all that processed stuff, read the labels.”
~ Chef Emeril Lagasse
(Source: Wikimedia Commons, Spmallare, CC-BY)
Learning Objectives
By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:
- Explain the anatomy and physiology of the digestive system and other supporting organ systems
- Describe the relationship between diet and each of the organ systems
- Describe the process of calculating Body Mass Index (BMI)
Role of Nutrition in Human Health
Nutrition plays a vital role in the human body. Proper nutrition contributes to healthy human development (from conception to adulthood), lower risks of non-communicable diseases, and overall healthy aging. Adequate nutrition has been shown to lead to more productive lifestyles and longevity.
The many foods we eat are fueled with the necessary components that our bodies need to function properly. Without these essential components, our body processes suffer, and disease increases. Equally, our food intake plays a role in how efficiently the human body functions. Too much or too little food can lead to metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, heart disease, obesity, and malnourishment.
Overall, you are what you eat. Food can be used to maintain, prevent, and treat disease. Therefore, food acts as medicine.
Learning Activities
Technology Note: The second edition of the Human Nutrition Open Educational Resource (OER) textbook features interactive learning activities. These activities are available in the web-based textbook and not available in the downloadable versions (EPUB, Digital PDF, Print_PDF, or Open Document).
Learning activities may be used across various mobile devices, however, for the best user experience it is strongly recommended that users complete these activities using a desktop or laptop computer.
any one of a group of diseases that affect how the body uses blood sugar (glucose).
