Introduction to Nutrition

Welcome to Introduction to Nutrition — a comprehensive and accessible guide to understanding the science of food, health, and the essential nutrients our bodies need to thrive.

In a world filled with nutrition noise and wellness trends, this course cuts through the clutter to provide clear, evidence-based insights into what nutrition really is — and why it matters. You’ll begin by exploring how global organizations like the World Health Organization define health and how nutrition fits into the bigger picture of wellness and lifestyle. You’ll also uncover the various factors that influence our nutritional choices, from environment and culture to biology and behavior.

We’ll take an in-depth look at macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), exploring their functions in the body, the signs of deficiency, and where to find them in everyday foods. You’ll also learn why water is often the most overlooked yet essential nutrient for sustaining life and vitality.

Understanding nutrition isn’t just about knowing what to eat — it’s also about understanding how the body processes food. You’ll learn how nutrients are digested and absorbed, how to identify signs of undernutrition or overnutrition, and what tools are used to assess basic nutritional health. This includes familiarizing yourself with food labels, calculating energy needs like Basal Metabolic Rate, and interpreting measurements like Body Mass Index and waist circumference.

To help make this information practical and applicable, you’ll explore well-known dietary frameworks such as the USDA’s MyPlate, the Food Pyramid, and global resources like the Eat Well Guide. Additionally, we’ll compare and contrast various popular eating patterns — including Paleo, Mediterranean, Vegan, Vegetarian, Plant-Based, Keto, and DASH diets — to help you understand the principles, benefits, and limitations of each.

Whether you’re here to build a solid nutritional foundation for personal well-being or to support others on their health journey, this course will empower you with the knowledge you need to make informed, confident choices about food and wellness.

Let’s begin your journey toward better health through nutrition.