Discovering Nutrition - Assignment Example

My Nutrient AnalysisArea that Surprised Me Most After carrying out my nutrient analysis for the specified days, the high protein intake at 359 % in my diet surprised me most because of the possible health problems due to such high protein consumption. First, a high protein diet promotes the development of cancer. A number of studies show that individuals, who consume low protein diets have low insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) in their blood. A diet replete of protein increases the levels of IGF-1 in the blood.

IGF-1 contributes to particular types of cancer (Insel 233). Second, one of the contributing factors to osteoporosis is a diet with high protein. Individuals, who consume high protein diet have increased rate of losing bone density due to bone resorption, which balances the amount of calcium excreted by the kidney. High protein with low carbohydrate diet is likely to cause ketosis, which can lead to the damage of internal organs. Areas that Meet the Recommended Needs The only area in which I meet the recommended intake is fruit.

My fruit intake is at 2.0 cup, which corresponds to the recommended intake. Meeting this requirement makes me happy, and it is necessary that I maintain the required intake. Fruits contains several anti-oxidants compounds including vitamin-C, polyphenolic flavonoids and anthocyanin. Such compounds are crucial in protecting the body against cancers, oxidant stress and other diseases. In addition, fruits are rich in diverse minerals, vitamins and other micronutrients. Areas that Need Improvement Several areas in my diet need improvement, which will ensure that I meet the target of 2,190.

10 calories. For this reason, meeting the recommended dietary needs calls for me to make improvements in certain areas. Among the areas where improvement is necessary, include grains, vegetables and dairy intake. Therefore, I will adjust the amounts of the mentioned foods in my diet to correspond with the recommended amounts. Changes that will assist in Improving My Diet First, I need to consume 3.5 cups of whole grains a day, which should be half of my total grain intake. It is crucial that I adjust the number of teaspoons of oils that I consume in each day.

For this reason, meeting that goal requires me to have an intake of 6.0 teaspoons of oil per day. I need to consider varying the types of vegetables that I take. In addition, I need to reduce the amount of protein in my diet to 6.0 oz. My current physical activity is low. I will adjust the amount of time for each physical activity. For this reason, I will jog for one forty-five minutes and play soccer for one-hour weekly. Works CitedInsel, Paul. Discovering Nutrition. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2013. Print.