Nutrition

Abstract

Nutrition is the study of understanding the effects of food on the human body in terms of health and disease. The major dietary components are carbohydrates, proteins, fats and dietary fiber. A healthy diet comprises important elements of fruits and vegetables. If consumed daily in sufficient amounts, it could help prevent major diseases such as CVDs and certain cancers.

The human body requires energy for each physical activity and the amount depends on the duration and type of activity. This chapter deals with different components of diet and their importance to the human body and disorders associated with their poor or increased intake.

Nutritional diseases occur when dietary intake does not contain the right amount of nutrients, or when one cannot absorb nutrients from food correctly. Kwashiorkor and marasmus are the two major types of protein calorie malnutrition seen in malnourished children. Eating a diet high in saturated fats, trans fat, and cholesterol: linked to heart disease and related conditions, e.g., atherosclerosis.

Keywords: Dietary components, Calories, Proteins, Fats, Carbohydrates, Respiratory quotient, Complementary proteins, Trans fat, Dietary fiber, Basal metabolic rate, Biological value of a protein, Nitrogen balance, Balanced diet, Kwashiorkor, Marasmus.