Eating Food, But What Kind Of?

Especially in children, obesity is a matter of rapidly growing concern in the world. The reason is childhood obesity not only decreasing the life span of our kids, but it also dramatically affects their quality of life. Diabetes, hypertension, emphysema and many diseases we see in adults have the origins in younger ages.

Studies refer to today’s youth obesity has found that the leading cause is malnutrition. Nonsense, you might say, there is plenty of food everywhere. Yes, there is, but what kind of?

To perform well our body needs vitamins, minerals and energy.

Body uses vitamins and minerals for maintaining organs and their good function. For example, Vitamin A is needed for maintenance of skin, mucous membranes, teeth bones, vision, hair; and reproduction while Vitamin C is used for healthy teeth, gums, bones and as a general detoxicant. Every vitamin and mineral has its precise role in body’s mechanism.

Body needs energy to supply the physical activity. Energy comes into the body trough food calories. There is an internal mechanism that transforms calories into energy.

When studies refer to malnutrition as a main cause of children obesity, they reveal that our kids are eating a lot food containing more calories that they need. More calories mean more energy. If the body do not use all energy in physical activities, the remaining amount results in fat. On the other hand, studies draw attention on unhealthy food oversaturated in calories and poor in vitamins. The effect of such kind of food consuming is devastating on children condition. Simply not getting the right amount of vitamins and minerals, body asks for more food, children became hungry and eat more. Unhealthy food generates a nonending cycle that brings fats in our body.

The solution is to go back to natural food, especially fruits and vegetables. Our children deserve adequate education, help and supervision for a longer and better life.

Valerian D is a freelance writer interested in health issues such as obesity

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