The Importance Of Nutrition In Food

Nutrition has become a popular focus in scientific research. Why should we eat more kale and red beets? Why do the antioxidants found in blueberries help fight cancer? There is a lot of information available to the general public in regards to making healthy choices and maintaining good health. Researchers and health care practitioners emphasize the importance of regular exercise and sleep, however, without a good balanced diet, the individual will not experience the benefits. Good nutrition contributes to everything the human body does. Vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and other substances found in food fuels the body with energy and helps to make protein, calcium, membrane tissue and more. In countries such as Canada, New Zealand and Australia,

Food packages that include labels such as “natural” and “organic” may not be any different than those without the labels; many may not be aware of what to look for (seals) when purchasing organic products. In Canada and the Australasian countries, many new parents are told to be careful when purchasing food for their children and family. Genetically modified organisms (abbreviated as GMO’s) and pesticides found in produce available in Canada generally contain high levels of chemicals (Anderson, Mah, & Sellen, 2015). Chemicals, parabens and other unhealthy substances that upset the endocrine and immune system influences the child’s developmental process. Good nutrition during pregnancy and early childhood sets the foundation for good health and fewer chronic health issues. The aim of this research paper is to compare the important role of nutrition in children between Canada and

Conversely, Australian dietary guidelines recommend “children between [the ages of] 4 and 11 years [to] consume at least five pieces of vegetables and two pieces of fruit each day” (Nathan, Wolfenden, Rose, Robertson, & Wiggers, 2015, p. 94). The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating includes five food groups instead of four that are found in Canada’s Food Guide. Children in Australia are recommended to consume more because of the extra food group, however, many of those children are not meeting the requirements. Nathan et al. (2015) argues that only a small percentage of children meet the recommendations and Australia focuses on strategies to prevent child obesity by implementing programs in primary schools. Fruit and vegetable programs, such as “Crunch&Sip” involves designated class time where the child can eat a piece of fruit or vegetable brought from home. In order to sustain the program, primary schools are encouraged to “become certified [by introducing the program] in at least 80% of classes each school day and by developing and implementing associated policies, curriculum material and parent communication strategies” (Nathan et al., 2015, p. 94). The programs are successful and findings suggest significant positive changes. Schools that implement fruit and vegetable breaks benefit approximately