Concept of nutrition and food nutrients

Nutrition is the process by which organisms take in and use nutrients.

Nutrients are any substances that nourish an organism.

Food is any material when taken in absorbed and utilized meet requirement of plant and animal body.

Function of food

1. Oxidized to release energy
2. Used in growth of cells
3. Used to repair lost cells and tissue

Types of nutrition

There are two main types of nutrition: autotrophic nutrition and heterotrophic nutrition.

1. Autotrophic nutrition

   Is the process by which organisms manufacture their own food from simple inorganic substances like carbon and hydrogen using either light energy(photosynthesis) or chemical energy (chemosynthesis)

2. Heterotrophic nutrition

   Is the process in which organisms get nutrients by eating other organisms

Importance of nutrition

1. Prevent diseases
2. Helps growth and development of cells, tissue and organs
3. It helps to repair damaged parts
4. It helps to protect the body against infection and diseases