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What is Nutrition?

Nutrition is the biochemical and physiological process by which we use food to support life. Humans require complex nutrients such as carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. We obtain them by consuming various foods like vegetables, fruits and meat. Nutrition is a critical part of health and development. Better nutrition is related to improved infant, child and maternal health, stronger immune systems, safer pregnancy and childbirth, lower risk of non-communicable diseases (such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease), and longevity.

Why should everyone know about Nutrition?

Nutrition is an important process by which we can live a long, healthy and productive life. But without a proper knowledge of nutrition, we may eat in a disorderly manner, which would eventually result in mal-nutrition (both under nutrition and over nutrition) leading to many life-style disorders and chronic non-communicable diseases. Failure to obtain sufficient nutrients causes malnutrition. Malnutrition, in every form, presents significant threats to human health.

What are nutrients?

The foods we eat contain nutrients. Nutrients are substances required by the body to perform its basic functions. Nutrients have one or more of three basic functions: they provide energy, contribute to body structure, and/or regulate chemical processes in the body. These basic functions allow us to grow, and reproduce.

What are the different types of nutrients?

There are six classes of nutrients required for the body to function and maintain overall health. These nutrients are broadly categorised into Macronutrients and Micronutrients. Nutrients that are needed in large amounts like carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins are called Macronutrients. Macronutrients are major sources of energy. Micronutrients are nutrients required by the body in lesser amounts but are still essential for carrying out bodily functions. Micronutrients include all the essential minerals and vitamins. There are sixteen essential minerals and thirteen vitamins. Water is one other macronutrient that we must have in large quantities, but it does not contain any calorie.

What is Energy and how do you measure it?

Body needs energy for maintaining body temperature and metabolic activity for supporting physical work and growth. Energy is a fuel provided by the food we consume. Humans get energy from the food we eat; hence we call it Food energy. A unit of measurement of food energy is the calorie. The value of calorie is measured by the process of Calorimetry, performed using Calorimeter. The unit of energy, which has been in use in nutrition for a long time, is Kilocalories (Kcal).

How much energy and nutrients do we need?

Humans need a wide range of nutrients to lead a healthy and active life. The required nutrients for different physiological groups can only be derived from a well-balanced diet. The amount of each nutrient needed for an individual depends upon his/her age, body weight and physiological status. Our health is also determined by height, weight and the amount of fat in our body. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain an optimal weight throughout our life. We must also remember that disordered eating is also bad.

In India, the National Institute of Nutrition, under Indian Council for Medical Research has published Dietary Guidelines for Indians and Nutrient Requirement for Indians.

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Compendium of Nutritional Data of Common Indian Food

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