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 Honey And Health: Honey General Comments On Diet Object Of Nutrition Natural And Artificial Sugars Physical And Chemical Aspects Of Honey Chemistry Of Honey Refined Sugar Honey Vs. Sugar Nutritive Value Of Honey In Infant Feeding Honey For Children Home Site Map Links To Honey And Beekeeping Sites |
The human body, besides water, consists of proteins, carbohydrates (starch and. sugar), fats and inorganic substances, e.g., salts, calcium, phosphor, iron, iodine, etc. Each has its special function, and when utilized, must be replaced. Proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, vitamins and water are the basic elements in successful nutrition. The component parts of our food become transformed, through the highest degree of purification, into vital organs and organic fluids. Food and eating have three cardinal purposes: 1. To satisfy hunger. Hunger is individual—depending on the physical and mental output of energy, size of the body and also on habit, which accounts for the fact that small people sometimes eat more. 2. To rebuild wasted and used-up tissues, i.e., to replace the proteins, fats, limesalts and water. Proteins, both animal and vegetable, have as their main purpose the repair and formation of tissues. We also require phosphates, calcium and magnesium salts for the bones and body fluids, iron for blood-cells, lecithin for nerves, vitamins, etc. 3. To produce heat and indirectly, energy. Motion, strength and thinking require energy. The body also emanates a considerable amount of heat. Carbohydrates and fats are most important for generating and replacing heat and energy. In addition, they spare proteins. Starches and sugars are converted in the alimentary canal, under the influence of various enzymes, into simple sugars (monosaccharides). After absorption into the portal circulation, simple sugars are carried to the liver where they are stored as glycogen. Under the influence of specific hormones, the glycogen is converted to dextrose, which is stored in the tissues and gradually liberated into the blood to be oxidized through many intermediate steps into carbon dioxide and water. Insulin plays an important part in the utilization of carbohydrates only after they reach the blood stream. This complex chemical process creates our heat and energy. In all the functions, the extremely active element, oxygen, a component of air and water, plays an essential, nay, vital part. |
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