Nutrition & Health

"A Well Balanced Diet is the Key to A Well Balanced Life"

Food is a necessity of life and its use is a skill and science.

Whereas Nutrition is the science of utilization of food in the body for health and well-being.

And nutritious food is that which fulfills the primary functions of the food. 

It provides sufficient energy and essential nutrients, helps in maintaining all biological processes of the body, maintains body weight and protects us from invasion of any harmful microorganisms and onset of any disease.

Nutrients are classified into six classes namely carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, minerals, vitamins & water. But today we will only discuss the macro-nutrients which are listed below :-

CARBOHYDRATES :- Dietary carbohydrates are broken down into smaller units, generally 'glucose' in the alimentary canal. Glucose circulates through the blood and reaches the cells & tissues to release energy that is used for physical & metabolic activities. Cereals, pulses, sugar, milk & fruits are rich sources of carbohydrates whereas animal tissues contain very small amounts.

PROTEINS :- Proteins and amino acids are required to form proteins, hormones, enzymes, cells, tissues, organs. A wide variety of protein molecules is used to build and maintain the body structure and to regulate body processes. Dietary protein also provides energy. Meat, Fish, poultry, egg, milk & milk products,, pulses/legumes & nuts as well as cereals are sources of protein.

LIPIDS :- Lipids/Fats are substances present in the body such as triglycerides, cholesterol, phospholipids & fatty acids. Lipids/Fats is obtained from dietary fats and oils like butter, ghee, groundnut/sunflower/safflower oil, etc. Besides supplying energy, lipids are carriers of fat soluble vitamins, are precursors for synthesis of hormones and structural material for cell membranes.

GOOD NUTRITION :-
Good Nutrition implies optimal intake of energy & other nutrients in accordance with the individual's requirements. Such a person is said to be well nourished. However, across the world, we find masses of people who do not have adequate food or even two meals a day. There are many whose diet lack one or more nutrients or some consume more than required. All of these situations have adverse impacts on the human body & health.

BALANCED DIET

HEALTH :- Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. It is a sum total of the supply and utilization of food and nutrients for the soul, mind and body.

• Good nutrition has a preventive role and promotes good health and well being in multidimensional ways :-

1. To maintain body weight appropriate for height, age, and sex
2. To maintain muscle mass
3. To remain mentally alert and active
4. To be energetic & active
5. To provide resistance to infection
6. To help cope with stress
7. To decrease risk of disability
8. To prevent illness
9. To alter the course of illness
10. To increase longevity
11. To perform better and increase productivity
12. To improve the social and economic status
13. To improve the overall quality of life