Introduction to Food and Nutrition

This free nutrition course is a much-needed resource for health professionals and consumers looking to learn the fundamentals of nutrition in the face of confusing public data. It uses scientific evidence and facts to present you with the clear, unvarnished truth. Amer Taha, a medical health professional with years of expertise, explains what ‘nutrition’ is and what it is not. By shifting our mindsets to see food as medicine, we can start a self-care journey, thereby preventing illness rather than curing it. We begin with the basics: studying nutrients and how they function in the body. We also discuss mental wellbeing, nutrient absorption and the different parts of the body.

The first module explains macronutrients, which are carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Then you learn about micronutrients, namely vitamins and minerals. Discover the importance of macronutrients and their deficiencies to calculate the individual’s daily energy needs, thereby ensuring adequate caloric intake. We will study vitamins and discuss their crucial functions in the body before moving on to minerals, which are chemical substances used by the body to perform critical roles that include blood formation, muscle contraction and much more. In the second module, we will delve into diets and diseases. Weight loss and health are the two primary reasons people consider diets. We will examine famous diets such as ‘Atkins’, ‘raw food’, ‘ketogenic’ and ‘paleo’ by discussing their pros and cons and potential nutrient deficiencies to rate them for health and weight loss.

Different diseases have various symptoms and root causes. We explore these and consider the additional nutrients needed to help the body recover when diseased. Learn how to read labels that carry nutritional facts on processed or packaged foods to understand their nutrients, serving sizes and daily dietary values. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires that these are listed so consumers are fully aware of what they are ingesting. Armed with the knowledge of proper nutrition, professionals and individuals can make prudent choices for health and longevity. Sign up for this free online course today!