National Institutes of Health
- The primary NIH organization for research on Nutrition is the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Nutrition
URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/nutrition.html
Food provides the energy and nutrients you need to be healthy. Nutrients include proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and water.
Learning to eat nutritiously is not hard. The key is to
- Eat a variety of foods, including vegetables, fruits and whole-grain products
- Eat lean meats, poultry, fish, beans and low-fat dairy products
- Drink lots of water
- Go easy on the salt, sugar, alcohol, saturated fat and trans fat
Saturated fats are usually fats that come from animals. Look for trans fat on the labels of processed foods, margarines and shortenings.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Food provides the energy and nutrients you need to be healthy. Nutrients include proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and water.
Learning to eat nutritiously is not hard. The key is to
- Eat a variety of foods, including vegetables, fruits and whole-grain products
- Eat lean meats, poultry, fish, beans and low-fat dairy products
- Drink lots of water
- Go easy on the salt, sugar, alcohol, saturated fat and trans fat
Saturated fats are usually fats that come from animals. Look for trans fat on the labels of processed foods, margarines and shortenings.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Start Here
- Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005: Key RecommendationsDietary Guidelines for Americans 2005: Key Recommendations http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/recommendations.htm(Dept. of Agriculture, Dept. of Health and Human Services)
- MyPyramid.gov: Steps to a Healthier YouMyPyramid.gov: Steps to a Healthier You http://www.mypyramid.gov/(Dept. of Agriculture)
- Also available in SpanishSpanish http://www.mypyramid.gov/sp-index.html
- Nutrition: Tips for Improving Your HealthNutrition: Tips for Improving Your Health http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/healthy/food/general-nutrition/369.printerview.html(American Academy of Family Physicians)
- Also available in SpanishSpanish http://familydoctor.org/online/famdoces/home/healthy/food/improve/369.printerview.html
The top row in the table of contents box contains the following groups:
Basics
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Learn More
, and
Multimedia & Cool Tools
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For group Basics
For group Learn More
For group Multimedia & Cool Tools
The bottom row in the table of contents box contains the following groups:
Research
,
Reference Shelf
, and
For You
.
For group Research
For group Reference Shelf
For group For You
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Overviews
- Food Pyramids: Explore These Healthy Diet OptionsFood Pyramids: Explore These Healthy Diet Options http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/healthy-diet/NU00190/METHOD=print(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
- Healthy Eating PyramidHealthy Eating Pyramid http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/pyramid/(Harvard School of Public Health)
- Nutrition.govNutrition.gov http://www.nutrition.gov/(Dept. of Agriculture, Dept. of Health and Human Services)
- Nutrition: How to Make Healthier Food ChoicesNutrition: How to Make Healthier Food Choices http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/healthy/food/general-nutrition/297.printerview.html(American Academy of Family Physicians)
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Rules for Healthy EatingRules for Healthy Eating http://www.ncfh.org/pdfs/BilingualEd/PDF5.pdf
(National Center for Farmworker Health)
- PDF
- Also available in SpanishSpanish http://www.ncfh.org/pdfs/BilingualEd/PDF6.pdf
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Latest News
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Possible Coffee PerkPossible Coffee Perk http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/videos/news/coffee_perk_072310.html
(07/23/2010, HealthDay)
- Health Tip: Reduce Your Sugar ConsumptionHealth Tip: Reduce Your Sugar Consumptionhttp://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_101265.html(07/20/2010, HealthDay)
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Common Sweetener Risk?Common Sweetener Risk? http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/videos/news/common_sweetner_070710.html(07/07/2010, HealthDay)
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Asthma and DietAsthma and Diet http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/videos/news/asthma_diet_070610.html(07/06/2010, HealthDay)
- Food DesertsFood Deserts http://www.cdc.gov/Features/FoodDeserts/(07/05/2010, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Beauty Salons Show Promise As Nutrition PromotersBeauty Salons Show Promise As Nutrition Promotershttp://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_100491.html(06/28/2010, Reuters Health)
- Most Americans Get Too Much SaltMost Americans Get Too Much Salthttp://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_100363.html(06/24/2010, HealthDay)
- Coffee or Tea: Enjoy Both in Moderation for Heart BenefitsCoffee or Tea: Enjoy Both in Moderation for Heart Benefits http://www.newsroom.heart.org/index.php?s=43&item=1057(06/18/2010, American Heart Association)
- More News on NutritionNutritionhttp://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/alphanews_n.html#nutrition
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Possible Coffee PerkPossible Coffee Perk http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/videos/news/coffee_perk_072310.html
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Diagnosis/Symptoms
- Prealbumin TestPrealbumin Test http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/prealbumin/glance.html(American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
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Related Issues
- Deciphering Media Stories on Diet: Nutrition in the NewsDeciphering Media Stories on Diet: Nutrition in the News http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/nutrition-news/media/(Harvard School of Public Health)
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Eating Healthy with Ethnic FoodEating Healthy with Ethnic Food http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/lose_wt/eth_dine.htm
(National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)
- Eating OutEating Out http://www.eatright.org/Public/content.aspx?id=5671(American Dietetic Association)
- Food Ingredients and ColorsFood Ingredients and Colors http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodIngredientsPackaging/ucm094211.htm(Food and Drug Administration)
- Fruits and Veggies MatterFruits and Veggies Matter http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Health Eating: 10 Ways to Add PizazzHealth Eating: 10 Ways to Add Pizazz http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/healthy-eating/NU00641/METHOD=print(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
- Healthy Breakfast: Quick, Flexible Options to Grab at HomeHealthy Breakfast: Quick, Flexible Options to Grab at Home http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/food-and-nutrition/NU00197/METHOD=print(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
- Healthy Cooking TechniquesHealthy Cooking Techniques http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/healthy-cooking/NU00201/METHOD=print(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
- JAMA Patient Page: Eating Fish: Health Benefits and RisksJAMA Patient Page: Eating Fish: Health Benefits and Risks http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/reprint/296/15/1926.pdf(American Medical Association)
- Also available in SpanishSpanish http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/data/296/15/1926/DC1/1
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Just Enough for You: About Food PortionsJust Enough for You: About Food Portions http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/just_enough.htm(National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)
- Key to Nutrition: A Diversified PortfolioKey to Nutrition: A Diversified Portfolio http://www.omhrc.gov/templates/content.aspx?ID=4081&lvl=3&lvlID=287(Dept. of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority Health)
- Nutrient ListsNutrient Lists http://www.ars.usda.gov/Main/docs.htm?docid=15869(Dept. of Agriculture) - PDF
- Organic and Other Environmentally Friendly FoodsOrganic and Other Environmentally Friendly Foods http://kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/nutrition/organics.html(Nemours Foundation)
- Scoop on Whole GrainsScoop on Whole Grains http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm151902.htm(Food and Drug Administration)
- Shopping List: Basic Ingredients for a Healthy KitchenShopping List: Basic Ingredients for a Healthy Kitchen http://www.cancer.org/Healthy/EatHealthyGetActive/EatHealthy/shopping-list-basic-ingredients-for-a-healthy-kitchen(American Cancer Society)
- Soy Foods and HealthSoy Foods and Health http://kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/nutrition/soy.html(Nemours Foundation)
- Unexplained Weight LossUnexplained Weight Loss http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/weight-loss/DG00020/METHOD=print(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
- Whole Grains: Hearty Options for a Healthy DietWhole Grains: Hearty Options for a Healthy Diet http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/whole-grains/NU00204/METHOD=print(Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)
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Health Check Tools
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Analyze My PlateAnalyze My Plate http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.gov/activities/analyze_my_plate.html
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
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Interactive Menu PlannerInteractive Menu Planner http://hp2010.nhlbihin.net/menuplanner/menu.cgi(National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)
- Make Your Calories CountMake Your Calories Count http://www.fda.gov/Food/LabelingNutrition/ConsumerInformation/ucm114022.htm(Food and Drug Administration)
- MyFoodapediaMyFoodapedia http://www.myfoodapedia.gov/(Dept. of Agriculture)
- Nutrition and Activity QuizNutrition and Activity Quiz http://www.cancer.org/healthy/toolsandcalculators/quizzes/app/nutrition-activity-quiz(American Cancer Society)
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Recipe Re-mixRecipe Re-mix http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.gov/activities/recipe_remix.html(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- What's in the Foods You Eat Search ToolWhat's in the Foods You Eat Search Tool http://www.ars.usda.gov/Services/docs.htm?docid=17032(Dept. of Agriculture)
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Analyze My PlateAnalyze My Plate http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.gov/activities/analyze_my_plate.html
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Videos
- Bad Fats BrothersBad Fats Brothers http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3055398(American Heart Association)
- Better Fat SistersBetter Fat Sisters http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3055399(American Heart Association)
- Canned FoodsCanned Foods http://www.eatright.org/Media/content.aspx?id=6442451172(American Dietetic Association)
- Healthy Breakfast Tip 2Healthy Breakfast Tip 2 http://www.eatright.org/Media/content.aspx?id=4294967469(American Dietetic Association)
- Healthy Breakfast TipHealthy Breakfast Tip http://www.eatright.org/Media/content.aspx?id=4294967468(American Dietetic Association)
- Men's Health TipMen's Health Tip http://www.eatright.org/Media/content.aspx?id=4294967485(American Dietetic Association)
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Clinical Trials
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Nutrition DisordersClinicalTrials.gov: Nutrition Disorders http://clinicaltrials.gov/search/open/condition=%22Nutrition+Disorders%22(National Institutes of Health)
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ClinicalTrials.gov: NutritionClinicalTrials.gov: Nutrition http://clinicaltrials.gov/search/open/condition=%22Nutrition%22(National Institutes of Health)
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ClinicalTrials.gov: Nutrition DisordersClinicalTrials.gov: Nutrition Disorders http://clinicaltrials.gov/search/open/condition=%22Nutrition+Disorders%22
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Research
- Food and Nutrition Research BriefsFood and Nutrition Research Briefs http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/np/fnrb/(Dept. of Agriculture)
- Also available in SpanishSpanish http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/espanol/np/fnrb/index.html
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Journal Articles
References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
- Article: Position of the American Dietetic Association: Nutrition Intervention and Human...Article: Position of the American Dietetic Association: Nutrition Intervention and Human... http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20645459?tool=MedlinePlus
- Article: Sprouting a warfarin interaction. Article: Sprouting a warfarin interaction. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20630973?tool=MedlinePlus
- Article: Food and beverage environment analysis and monitoring system: a reliability...Article: Food and beverage environment analysis and monitoring system: a reliability... http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20630167?tool=MedlinePlus
- Nutrition -- see more articlesNutrition -- see more articles http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=nutritional+physiology+phenomena[majr:noexp]+OR+nutritional+status[majr]+OR+nutrition+policy[majr]+OR+nutrition+assessment[majr]+OR+nutritional+requirements[majr]+OR+food+habits[majr]+OR+nutritive+value[majr]+OR+food-drug+interactions[majr]+NOT+(dietary+proteins[majr]+OR+carbohydrates[majr]+OR+dietary+fats[majr]+OR+dietary+sodium[majr])+AND+english[la]+AND+humans[mh]+AND+(jsubsetk[text]+OR+review[pt]+OR+guideline[pt]+OR+clinical+trial[pt]+OR+patient+education+handout[pt]+OR+jsubsetaim[text]+OR+jsubsetn[text])+NOT+(letter[pt]+OR+news[pt]+OR+editorial[pt])+AND+%22last+1+Year%22[edat]&tool=MedlinePlus
- Food additives -- see more articlesFood additives -- see more articles http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=(food+additives[majr]+OR+flavoring+agents[majr:noexp])+AND+english[la]+AND+humans[mh]+NOT+(letter[pt]+OR+news[pt]+OR+editorial[pt])+AND+%22last+1+Year%22[edat]&tool=MedlinePlus
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Dictionaries/Glossaries
- Vegetarian Glossary of TermsVegetarian Glossary of Terms http://www.eatright.org/Public/content.aspx?id=6375(American Dietetic Association)
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Directories
- Find a Registered DietitianFind a Registered Dietitian http://www.eatright.org/iframe/FindRD.aspx?(American Dietetic Association)
- US Nutrition Assistance ProgramsUS Nutrition Assistance Programs http://fnic.nal.usda.gov/nal_display/index.php?info_center=4&tax_level=2&tax_subject=276&topic_id=1340(Food and Nutrition Information Center)
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Organizations
- American Dietetic AssociationAmerican Dietetic Association http://www.eatright.org/
- Center for Nutrition Policy and PromotionCenter for Nutrition Policy and Promotion http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/
- Food and Drug AdministrationFood and Drug Administration http://www.fda.gov/
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National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney DiseasesNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases http://www.niddk.nih.gov/
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Statistics
- Food Environment AtlasFood Environment Atlas http://ers.usda.gov/foodatlas/(Dept. of Agriculture)
- Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Data and StatisticsFruit and Vegetable Consumption Data and Statistics http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/5ADaySurveillance/(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
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MedlinePlus Magazine
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Go, Slow, and Whoa FoodsGo, Slow, and Whoa Foods http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/magazine/issues/summer07/articles/summer07pg28.html
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Holidays Are Coming! Time to Start Planning for Healthy Holiday MealsHolidays Are Coming! Time to Start Planning for Healthy Holiday Meals http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/magazine/issues/fall09/articles/fall09pg20-21a.html
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Go, Slow, and Whoa FoodsGo, Slow, and Whoa Foods http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/magazine/issues/summer07/articles/summer07pg28.html
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Men
- Nutrition for MenNutrition for Men http://www.eatright.org/Public/content.aspx?id=6830(American Dietetic Association)
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Women
- Healthy Eating for WomenHealthy Eating for Women http://www.eatright.org/Public/content.aspx?id=6805(American Dietetic Association)
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Patient Handouts
- Butter, margarine, and cooking oilsButter, margarine, and cooking oils http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000095.htm
- Eating extra calories when you are sick - adultsEating extra calories when you are sick - adults http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000035.htm
- How Do I Change Recipes?How Do I Change Recipes? http://www.americanheart.org/downloadable/heart/1196354532386RecipeModif.pdf(American Heart Association) - PDF
- How Do I Follow a Healthy Diet?How Do I Follow a Healthy Diet? http://www.americanheart.org/downloadable/heart/1196282749644FollowHealthyDiet.pdf(American Heart Association)
- How Do I Read Food Labels?How Do I Read Food Labels? http://www.americanheart.org/downloadable/heart/1196283027348FoodLabels.pdf(American Heart Association)
- What about Eating Out?What about Eating Out? http://www.americanheart.org/downloadable/heart/1196280169408EatingOut.pdf(American Heart Association) - PDF
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You may also be interested in these related encyclopedia pages:
- Balanced diet - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002449.htm
- Butter, margarine, and cooking oils - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000095.htm
- Diet - calories - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002457.htm
- Diet and disease - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002096.htm
- Eating extra calories when you are sick - adults - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000035.htm
- Fast foods - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002462.htm
- Food additives - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002435.htm
- Malnutrition - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000404.htm
- Soy - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007204.htm
The primary NIH organization for research on Nutrition is the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - http://www.niddk.nih.gov/
MEDICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA