Why is it important to have a good Nutrition?

Eating a balanced diet is vital for good health and well being. Food provides our body with the calories, proteins, essential fat, vitamins & minerals to live grow and function properly. We need a wide variety of different food to provide the right amounts of nutrients for good health. A healthy diet is a key for healthy living.

Improper food habits can cause diseases:

The foods and dietary patterns that promote good nutrition are outlined in the health of human being. An unhealthy diet increases the risk of many diet related diseases. The major causes of death, illness, and disability in which diet and nutrition play an important role include coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, obesity, Type II diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, gall bladder disease, dementia and nutritional anemia.

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Unhealthy nutrition can lead to Obesity and NCD:

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25% of children are overweight. Overweight and obese children have a greater risk for major health issues such as Type II Diabetes, High blood pressure, Joint pain, High cholesterol and Cardio vascular disease. Nutrient dense food such as fruits and vegetables with whole grain cereals or pulses can help to prevent childhood obesity and give a higher quality of life.

Recommendations for Good Nutrition: 

• Breastfeeding & Infant Feed: The infant feeding guidelines provide to health workers with the latest information on healthy feeding from birth to 2 years of age. This includes advice on breast feeding, preparing infant formula and introducing semi solid foods.
• Vegetables & Fruits are a must: Children require a variety of nutrient dense foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole- grains, meat, fish and adequate calorie in order to grow and develop properly.
• Calcium should be taken: Calcium is more important for children. An adequate calcium intake promotes optimal bone density which will assist teen growth and reduce the risk of bone loss in later life.

The way children eat influences their growth and health during childhood, adolescence and for the rest of their lives. Good nutrition also helps to prevent child and teen issues such as eating disorder, obesity, dental cavity, and iron deficiency anemia. A healthy diet and good nutrition is crucial in preventing nutritional deficiency diseases such as PEM (Protein Energy Malnutrition), Dehydration, menstrual irregularities, poor bone health, increased risks of injuries, poor academic performance and increase risks of eating disorders.