Chapter was founded to ensure that every American preserves their health, wealth, and purpose in retirement. We started with Medicare, because good health is central to living a good life. Discover nutrient content for over 400,000 foods in the USDA’s FoodData Central.

Understanding the Context

Follow Nutrition.gov on Twitter to stay up to date on new resources and seasonal recipes. Nutrition.gov is powered by USDA Science and offers credible information to help you make healthful eating choices. Nutrition is a critical part of health and development. Better nutrition is related to improved infant, child and maternal health, stronger immune systems, safer pregnancy and childbirth, lower risk of non-communicable diseases (such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease), and longevity.

Key Insights

Nutrition is consuming the right amount and combination of nutrients to keep your body functioning. Nutrients are chemical substances that you find in food. Good nutrition can reduce your risk of disease. It can support healing and your mental health. What is nutrition?

Final Thoughts

Explore your favorite foods: History, nutrition, and cooking ideas. Protein is essential macronutrient, but not all food sources are created equal. Healthy eating begins in the kitchen, whether at home or another venue. A monthly e-newsletter with practical strategies for healthy living. Nutrition refers to the study and process of how food and beverages influence our bodies’ growth, energy supply and overall well-being. Its principles are the foundation for good health and play a crucial role in improving quality of life and preventing disease.

This article covers the major issues of human nutrition, such as energy generation and balance, essential nutrients, and recommended dietary guidelines. For a full-length treatment of health problems created by failure in nutrition, see nutritional disease.