Summary of DNHE 1 - Lecture 2(Part 2) - Unit 1 Food, Nutrition and Health

Summary of DNHE 1 - Lecture 2 (Part 2) - Unit 1: Food, Nutrition and Health

Main Ideas and Concepts

1. Meaning and Definition of Nutrition
   • Nutrition studies what happens to food from ingestion to its utilization and waste elimination in the body.
   • It involves the action, interaction, and balance of nutrients within the body.
   • Nutrients are divided into Macronutrients (needed in large amounts) and Micronutrients (needed in smaller amounts), all essential for health.
   • Example: Calcium’s role in bone and teeth health (action), its interaction with phosphorus, and the need for balance to maintain normal function.
2. Handling of Food and Nutrients in the Body
   • Food undergoes ingestion, digestion, absorption, transportation, utilization, and excretion.
   • Digestion breaks down food into usable forms; absorption transfers nutrients to the blood; waste products are eliminated via urine.
   • The digestive system includes the mouth, stomach, and intestines.
3. Social, Psychological, and Economic Aspects of Nutrition
   • Social and cultural factors influence dietary patterns and food acceptance (e.g., Vedic classification of food into Satvik, Rajasik, and Tamasik).
   • Psychological factors affect food choices, influenced by attitudes, advertisements, family beliefs, and habits (examples of Mini, Raju, and Sir Lakat).
   • Economic factors determine food availability and affordability; starvation often results from lack of purchasing power, not food scarcity.
4. Concept and Definition of Health
   • Health is a complete state of physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely absence of disease.
   • Good health is a positive state, where one mostly remains healthy despite occasional tiredness or minor illness.
   • Dimensions of health include:
     • Physical health: Absence of disease and bodily fitness.
     • Mental health: Emotional stability, ability to cope, sensitivity to others, and absence of internal conflict.
     • Social health: Realization of social responsibilities and healthy interactions with others.
     • Spiritual health: Having positive feelings towards others and willingness to help, beyond religious practices.
5. Nutritional Status
   • Nutritional status reflects an individual’s health condition influenced by nutrient intake and utilization.
   • It can be assessed by diet analysis and biochemical tests (blood, urine).
   • Example: Vitamin C deficiency detected by low blood levels and dietary intake.
6. Interrelationship Between Nutrition and Health
   • Proper Nutrition in the right amount supports good health.
   • Both deficiency and excess of nutrients can cause ill health.
   • Food must be nutritious and hygienic to maintain health.
7. Malnutrition
   • Malnutrition includes both undernutrition (deficiency of nutrients) and overnutrition (excess nutrients).
   • Examples:
     • Undernutrition: Vitamin A deficiency causing vision problems in children.
     • Overnutrition: Obesity due to excess energy intake and low expenditure.
   • Both forms negatively impact health.

Methodology / Instructional Points

• Understand the definitions and examples related to Nutrition and health.
• Learn the processes of food handling inside the body (ingestion to excretion).
• Recognize the influence of social, psychological, and economic factors on food choices.
• Study the dimensions of health and their interrelations.
• Assess nutritional status through diet and biochemical tests.
• Identify causes and effects of Malnutrition (both under- and overnutrition).
• Review previous exam questions and practice writing answers based on the unit content.
• Use study materials and past question papers for exam preparation.

Speakers / Sources Featured

• Aayushi (main lecturer / presenter)
• References to Vedic tradition and cultural food classifications
• Examples involving individuals: Mini, Raju, Sir Lakat (used to illustrate psychological and social influences on Nutrition)

Category

Educational

Video