Health and food

Balanced diet

• A balanced diet is the key to good health. A balanced diet consists of a variety of foods from all food groups, including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and dairy products. Eating a well-balanced diet can help to provide the body with the nutrients it needs to function optimally and prevent nutrient deficiencies and diseases.

Food hygiene

• Food hygiene is essential for preventing foodborne illnesses. Good food hygiene practices include washing hands regularly, cleaning surfaces and equipment frequently, and avoiding cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods. Following good food hygiene practices can help to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses, such as salmonella and E. coli.

Food habits

• Food habits play a significant role in overall health. Eating healthy foods regularly and avoiding unhealthy foods can help to promote good health and prevent weight gain, diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic diseases. On the other hand, an unhealthy diet can lead to the development of obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other health problems.

Dietary requirements

• Dietary requirements vary based on a person's age, gender, and physical activity level. In general, adults need approximately 2,000 calories per day to meet their daily dietary requirements. Children and teenagers typically need more calories per day than adults as they are growing and developing.

Deficiency diseases

• Deficiency diseases can occur if the body is not receiving enough nutrients from the diet. Deficiency diseases, such as scurvy (vitamin C deficiency) and anemia (iron deficiency), can lead to serious health problems, such as fatigue, weakness, and increased risk of infections. Eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods can help to prevent nutrient deficiencies and deficiency diseases.

Below are some examples of deficiency diseases along with the nutrient they are caused by:

• Scurvy: Vitamin C deficiency that can lead to wounds not healing properly, bleeding gums, and anemia.
• Beri-beri: Thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency that can lead to impaired mental functioning, cardiac problems, and muscle weakness.
• Pellagra: Niacin (vitamin B3) deficiency that can cause skin problems, gastrointestinal issues, and dementia-like symptoms.
• Rickets: Vitamin D deficiency that can lead to weakened bones and joints, bone deformities, and stunted growth in children.
• Rickets: Vitamin D deficiency that can lead to weakened bones and joints, bone deformities, and stunted growth in children.
• Kwashiorkor: Protein and essential amino acid (leucine, methionine, and tryptophan) deficiency that can lead to swelling in the abdomen, diarrhea, and poor wound healing.
• Iron deficiency anemia: Iron deficiency that can lead to fatigue, anemia, and decreased immune function.
• Vitamin A deficiency: Vitamin A deficiency that can lead to impaired vision, increased susceptibility to infection, and birth defects.
• Folate deficiency anemia: Folate (vitamin B9) deficiency that can lead to anemia, mouth sores, and fetal neural tube defects.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia: Vitamin B12 deficiency that can lead to anemia, neurological problems, and fatigue.