Plants require water and daylight to develop. Without them, they could not obtain a healthy lifetime. It's the same for humans. Much the same as plants need water and daylight, we require healthful Nutrients to be and remain healthy. Healthy nutrition is essential, especially for Adolescents. The United States Department of Agriculture has stated that the daily calorie intake of a female youth should be around 2200-2400 and a male youth should be around 2,400 to 2,800 (around 10% higher if the adolescent is fairly active).
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Importance of nutrition for adolescents
All humans show most of their physical and mental growth and development during the adolescence (ages 10-19) therefore, it’s very important to follow a healthy nutritional diet. Their nutritional needs are rapidly increasing and healthy food is essential for them to not only grow, but have a better body-health future (adulthood).
According to the Healthy Children Organisation (HCO), the nutritional intakes of Adolescents should be in right proportions to sustain a healthy diet. Carbohydrates are the fuel to youth bodies. These are the nutrients that will be consumed in large amounts, taking up approximately 50-60% of an Adolescents food portion. Consuming Vitamin and Mineral rich foods will sustain a healthy growth since these nutrients help your body in making new tissues and functioning correctly. High amounts of these nutrients can be found in Fruits and Vegetables. Some teenagers think they can get the same benefits (vitamins and minerals) from food medications and supplements, however, that’s a really wrong pathway to follow since these processed food choices won’t provide you with Fiber and many other nutrients. The least consumed part of an adolescent’s diet should be Fats (below 30%). By following these nutritional intakes, adolescents will be ensured that their protein intake is consistent and enough.