Nutritionist Viktor Tutelian, a member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, explained that the first law is about maintaining harmony between the energy provided by food and the energy expended by the body. He noted that any deviation from this balance can lead either to exhaustion and death or to obesity and the development of various diseases, particularly cardiovascular disease, which can ultimately lead to death.
The second law is "more complicated," he continues. It concerns the correspondence between the chemical composition of food and our physiological needs.
"Food provides us with about 200 chemical elements every day, a third of which are essential. These cannot be synthesized in the body from their precursors – micronutrients – which enter the body through food," the doctor explained.
These elements are primarily the 12 vitamins, all of which are necessary and each of which plays a specific role.
Good eating behavior can be learned
He agrees that ensuring that the diet fully meets these requirements is far from easy. Indeed, many products are available in stores, but people lack knowledge.
It is essential to instill a food culture at an early age. It is also important to adhere to the principles of nutrition, as malnutrition or, conversely, overeating and changes in eating habits can lead to diseases, noted the specialist.
Eating healthy and cheaply is possible
"You can be rich and sick or moderately poor but in good health," Tutelian asserted.
"The diet must be habitual and adapted to the region in which you live. This is the most appropriate approach, and it often involves inexpensive and accessible products," he explained.
In most cases, it is enough to plan your diet carefully.
It is also a matter of perseverance, the researcher added. "Unfortunately, many people shorten their own lives by disregarding all the principles. It all depends on the individual, their culture, knowledge, and willpower."
If the diet does not provide all the essential nutrients for the body, it is advisable to use dietary supplements as well as vitamin and mineral complexes, as the academician recommended.