Nutrition is the process of consuming food to carry out the necessary functions of the organism for its survival. It involves the ingestion, digestion, absorption, and assimilation of solid and liquid material. Nutrients are organic and inorganic compounds that provide the body with food and protect it from major diseases. Organic compounds include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and vitamins, while inorganic compounds contain minerals and water.
There are two main types of nutrition: autotrophic and heterotrophic. Autotrophic nutrition is when an organism can prepare its own food, such as plants. Intracellular digestion is when animals lacking a digestive tract bring food to the cell for digestion and nutritional needs. Heterotrophic nutrition is when an organism depends on other organisms for food.
Poor nutrition can lead to reduced immunity, increased susceptibility to disease, deterioration of physical and mental development, and reduced productivity. Heterotrophic nutrition is further classified into three types: holozoic nutrition, saprophytic nutrition, and parasitic nutrition. Holozoic nutrition is exhibited by the amoeba that absorbs complex substances and converts them into simpler substances. Chemotrophic nutrition is when the body synthesizes organic foods by chemical reaction.
Saprophytic nutrition is when an organism obtains its energy sources from low-energy inorganic raw materials available in their environment. Parasitic nutrition occurs when an organism obtains its nutrition from other living organisms. Humans follow a heterotrophic mode of nutrition, relying on fruits, vegetables, and meat for essential nutrients. To ensure good health, it is important to consume a balanced diet that includes all the essential nutrients in the right proportions.
Eating a variety of foods from all food groups will help you get all the nutrients your body needs.
