Introduction to food and nutrition

Definitions of nutrition and food :

If defining as a process,Nutrition is defined as,

                                

The process of consuming,absorbing
and using nutrients needed by the
body for growth,development and 

maintenance of life.





But if

defining as a discipline of science,it is defined as,

The science of food,nutrients and
other substances therein ; there
action and interaction in relation
to health and diseases.


      

Essential requisites :

1. optimal growth and development
2. maintenance of body
3. mental growth
4. withstand ageing
5. resistance to environment and diseases

1.OPTIMAL GROWTH :
achievement of optimal growth and development,reflecting full expression of one's genetic potential.

2.MAINTENANCE OF BODY :
maintenance of structural integrity and functional efficacy of the body tissues necessary for an active and productive life.

3.MENTAL GROWTH :
 sound mental growth

4.WITHSTAND GROWTH :
ability to withstand the inevitable process of ageing with minimal disability and functional impairment.

5.RESISTANCE TO ENVIRONMENT AND DISEASES :
ability to resist the adverse effects of environmental toxins and pollutants and combat diseases.

                                            NUTRITION AS A PROCESS :

If describing as a process,it is a process which by witch individual

• ingests
• digests
• absorbs
• transports    &
• utilizes 

nutrients and disposes off wastes.
It is concerned with all the processes of growth,maintenance and repair of the living organisms that depend upon digestion for food.

                                                           FOOD :

                               food is any solid or liquid which on swallowing can supply one or more of the following:

1. energy for movement and all other activities.

1. materials for growth,repair,regeneration and reproduction.

1. substances to regulate the processes of growth and repair.