NOW YOU KNOW

“Nutrition” is derived from “nourish,” which is from the
Latin nutrire, meaning to feed, nurse, support, and preserve
--literally, “she who gives suck.”

                    
The Greeks and Romans regulated nutrition on the theory of
the four humors circulating throughout the body (warm, cold,
moist, dry). Classical physicians tried to correct an excess
of cold and moist “humors” by providing hot, dry foods and
vice versa.

                    
The English are sometimes called “limeys” because British
sailors would eat limes to stave off scurvy. Limes were
later replaced by lemons due to the lack of adequate
vitamin C in lime juice.


Nutrients are divided into two major groups: macronutrients
and micronutrients. Macronutrients include protein,
carbohydrates, water, and fats. Micronutrients are vitamins
and minerals.

                         
The term “vitamin” was coined by Polish-American chemist
Casimir Funk and is derived from vital (necessary for life)
and amine (a compound containing nitrogen and hydrogen).

                         
Vitamins are grouped according to the solubility in either
fat or water. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat soluble,
meaning they need fat to be absorbed into the body and can
be stored in the body. Vitamin B complexes and Vitamin C
are water soluble and, because they cannot be stored in the
body, they must be replaced every day.