MSN: 7 health benefits of hazelnuts you probably didn't know, according to nutritionists 7 health benefits of hazelnuts you probably didn't know, according to nutritionists Discover nutrient content for over 400,000 foods in the USDA’s FoodData Central. Follow Nutrition.gov on Twitter to stay up to date on new resources and seasonal recipes. Nutrition.gov is powered by USDA Science and offers credible information to help you make healthful eating choices.

Understanding the Context

Nutrition is a critical part of health and development. Better nutrition is related to improved infant, child and maternal health, stronger immune systems, safer pregnancy and childbirth, lower risk of non-communicable diseases (such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease), and longevity. Nutrition is consuming enough nutrients to keep your body working like it should. Nutrients are chemical substances you get from food.

Key Insights

Nutrition is the biochemical and physiological process by which an organism uses food and water to support its life. At the most basic level, nutrition is about eating a regular, balanced diet. Good nutrition helps fuel your body. The foods you eat supply the nutrients your body needs to maintain your brain, muscle, bone, nerves, skin, blood circulation, and immune system. Nutrition is the study of food and how it affects the body.

Final Thoughts

Here, learn about the components of nutrition, who the experts are, and what each nutrient does. Learn why good nutrition is important to good health and find helpful AMA nutrition-focused resources. This article covers the major issues of human nutrition, such as energy generation and balance, essential nutrients, and recommended dietary guidelines. For a full-length treatment of health problems created by failure in nutrition, see nutritional disease.