How Much Nutrition Do People Need?

Human health can really be measured by the diet and nutrition that they consume. Human nutrition requires more than just basic foods that provide the minimum requirements for sustenance. We have to have a wide range of nutrients that can be found in a variety of foods. The total human nutritional needs are different for people that are growing as well as adults and the elderly. It is common for humans to go without the proper daily nutrition. When this occurs, humans can have a wide variety of ailments related to nutrient deficiencies over time.

Children and growing young adults are who need to take most attention to proper nutrient intake. They will have daily requirements to take in around:

• 1-3 cups of green leafy vegetable matter

• 1-2 cups of fruit matter

• 3-6 ounces of grains and cereals

• 2-6 ounces of protein (plant based proteins are recommended)

• Oils, fats, heavy starches and sweets should be limited.

Meat, poultry, fish, reptile, egg and dairy products are non-essential as all nutrients can be accessed from a well-rounded plant based diet. Even though children can have these foods, they can really contribute to various developmental and health problems in the future. It is essential to completely bypass the possibility of feeding children hormone and antibiotic laden foods such as these even if they claim to be organic. They may contribute to heart disease, allergy development, diabetes, low bone density, obesity and various types of cancer. If protein, calcium and other essential nutrients seem like an issue it is important to note that other animals get their nutrients from plant based sources.

Adult nutrient intake requires less attention to specifics if a healthy child diet was present. The general guidelines for adults are to ensure that their bodies have a daily intake of 80 percent carbohydrate, 10 percent protein and 10 percent fat. Recommended foods to meet these diet requirements are fruits, vegetables, raw nuts and seeds in addition to large amounts of leafy green vegetables. Legumes and grains can provide a great deal of protein, above the daily need of adult humans. A simple multivitamin can help to provide nutrients that most adults do not normally consume in the day.

Similar to health problems in children, adults and the elderly should limit or eliminate their consumption of meat, poultry, fish, reptile, egg and dairy products to protect their health in advance age. In addition, they will need to include other health factors such as proper exercise, sunlight exposure, sleep and emotional balance to benefit from their nutrition intake. With a healthy and well-rounded diet full of nutrition, humans can live well past current life expectations in advanced health.