Nutrition is the most significant point of health and well-being. It makes you strong, provides you with energy to perform and above all makes you look and feel good. According to WHO, "Nutrition is the intake of food, considered in relation to the body’s dietary needs". Nutrition is an issue of survival, health and development for current and succeeding generations.
Malnutrition is
defined as "a state of poor nutrition caused by insufficient or unbalanced
diet". It is one of the major health problems especially in developing
countries. Malnutrition is estimated to contribute to more than one third of
all the child deaths. One out of three world's malnourished children live in
India. Malnutrition has its adverse effects on human health, growth and
development. It also results in loss of productivity and economic backwardness.
Good nutrition
combined with a regular physical activity is the cornerstone of good health.
Healthy children learn better, implement better and grow better. People with
adequate nutrition are more productive comparatively. On the other hand, poor
nutrition will lead to reduced immunity, increased vulnerability to disease,
impaired physical and mental development, and reduced productivity. We often
get confused about our right intake, their necessity and impact on our lives.
So, let us find out answers to some of those very important questions which we
keep asking to Doctors every now and then because good nutrition prepares
healthy individuals and it eventually leads to a healthy nation.
What are the elements
of a Healthy Diet?
Food consists of six
specific types of nutrients: proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals
and water, all of which are necessary for life, growth, body function and
tissue repair.
What is Balanced diet?
A balanced diet is one
which provides all the types of nutrients in prescribed amounts and proper
proportion. It includes fruits and vegetables, grains, roots, beans, pulses,
nuts and animal products.
Can you explain in
terms of calories requirement?
A balanced diet should
provide around 50-60% of total calories from carbohydrates, preferably from
complex carbohydrates, about 10-15% from proteins and 20-30% from both visible
and invisible fat.
What is the role of
fruits?
Fruits contain
vitamins, minerals, fibres and plant chemicals (phytonutrients).
Why do we need
Calcium?
Calcium is essential
for strong and healthy bones.
Which are the best
sources of calcium?
Rich sources of
calcium are milk, cheese, yoghurt and green leafy vegetables.
Are cooking oils good
for the health?
No single oil can do
the job. It is always recommended to use a combination of oils either blended
or by rotation. Such as, groundnut oil, soya bean oil, sunflower oil, rice bran
oil so that you get the benefit of all.
Will eating tomatoes
and spinach cause stones in the kidney?
No. These are
unfounded fears. Eating tomatoes and spinach may be little harmful to those who
are prone to formation of stones in the kidneys.
Does excessive eating
of salt increase blood pressure?
Yes, excessive eating
of salt increase blood pressure
What is the role of
breast milk for infants?
Breast milk is the
single most important food for infants.
Why breast milk is
considered as single most important food for infants?
Breast milk contains
adequate amount of proteins, fats, calories, lactose, vitamins, iron, minerals,
water and enzymes. It also boosts immunity of the baby which further protects
baby from several infections. It is quick and easy to digest.
Nutrition Tips
- Eat fresh food with minimum of
processing.
- Eat raw fruits and vegetables
whenever possible because cooking destroys many nutrients.
- Wash the fruits and vegetables
thoroughly and eat them with skin on
- Don't cut, wash or soak fruits
and vegetables until you are ready to eat them.
- Prefer traditional, homemade
food as compared to fast food.
- Avoid replacing main meals with
snacks
- Limit consumption of sugar and
unhealthy processed foods.
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Information courtesy: https://www.nhp.gov.in/national-nutrition-week-2016_pg
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