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Nutrients

Many of us grew up believing that people got sick from what they didn't eat. This is still true in much of the world, where people are starving. In the United States, however, people are more likely to be suffering from illnesses that are caused by eating the wrong things. Health problems that have been linked to diet include heart disease, high blood pressure, some kinds of cancer, and weight problems. People who eat a balanced diet, one that includes all the necessary nutrients and fiber, and avoids too much fat and salt, are more likely to live long and healthy lives.

The National Academy of Sciences has developed a set of recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) for 20 nutrients, including calories. In general, you can get enough of all of these nutrients by eating a variety of healthy foods, without taking vitamin or mineral supplements.