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Nutrition Essay | Essay on Nutrition for Students and Children in English

February 12, 2024 by Prasanna

Nutrition Essay:  The section of science that deals with the interpretation of nutrients and food in the animal system to sustain a healthy life and to keep health issues at check is known as ‘nutrition.’ The topic of nutrition is vulnerably proportional to the economic stability of a society or a country at a broader aspect.

A necessity that keeps life running at the cost of money, to which a noticeable chunk of the society is deprived but remains unattended to, is also ‘nutrition.’

You can also find more  Essay Writing  articles on events, persons, sports, technology and many more.

Long and Short Essays on Nutrition for Students and Kids in English

We are providing students with essay samples on a long essay of 500 words and a short essay of 150 words on the topic nutrition for reference.

Long Essay on Nutrition 500 Words in English

Long Essay on Nutrition is usually given to classes 7, 8, 9, and 10.

As the name suggests, ‘nutrition’ includes in itself’ nutrients’ which can be broadly classified as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, roughage, and water. A balanced amount of these nutrients in the right proportions constitute a healthy diet.

The words’ balanced’ and ‘right proportions’ mentioned previously are key to life when it comes to consuming nutrients. ‘Optimum Nutrition’ is defined as eating the right amount of nutrients in a proper schedule to achieve the best performance and longest possible lifetime in good health. The importance of nutrition can be visibly highlighted by the increasing number of nutrient deficiency diseases such as night blindness, scurvy, cretinism, anemia, and nutrient excess health-threatening conditions like obesity, metabolic syndrome, and other cardiovascular anomalies.

Undernutrition in underdeveloped and developing countries has been marked by malnutrition due to lack of even the basic staple nutrients causing diseases like marasmus and kwashiorkor. Animal nutrition on the molecular level comes from nitrogen, carbon, and hydrogen compounds. Nutrients are the building blocks of the food chain, which interlink to form food webs and influence world food production via biodiversity.

Similarly, plant nutrition is referred to as the chemicals that are necessary for plant growth and other physiological processes in plants like metabolism, transport, photosynthesis, etc. Nutrients essential for plants are obtained from the soil, air, sunlight, and as a whole from the earth; thus, the nutrients can be recycled and renewed, making it easily available for sustenance of life.

Fatigue, tiredness, and apathy are common among the working class as well as students. To feel refreshed, motivated as well as reenergized, all we require is the proper nutrition for our systems. Nutrition helps an individual attain optimal health throughout life as well as boost self-esteem.

Eating a balanced diet improves a person’s health and well-being and reduces risks of major causes of death. The other benefits of nutrition include a healthy heart, strength in teeth and bones, maintains good brain health, boosts immunity, bolsters the body to fight against diseases, keeps higher energy levels, and keeps the bodyweight at check. With such a minimum as maintaining our diet comes the strength of independence or self-dependence. The topic of nutrition has gained its importance by being studied and researched over for years. Nutrition is taught as a subject in various levels of education, and professions such as farmers, scientists, nutritionists, dietitians, health counselors, and doctors who form the pillar of our society are all based on nutrition fundamentals.

Progressive research works from various parts of the world on ‘nutrition’ has helped in aiding health conditions for the living, yet a big section of society is not reached out for proper food supplies. With the current progressive rate of scientific enhancement in the field of nutrition, resulting in increasing food production, we should be able to reach out to those who are dying due to the lack of something as basic as food, which should be available to everyone equally.

Short Essay on Nutrition 150 Words in English

Short Essay on Nutrition is usually given to classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

‘Nutrition’ is one of the fundamentals of living that can be defined as the assimilation of food into living systems that help life function daily.

The classification of nutrition can vary from plants to animals, but they are interlinked by the food chains that form the ecosystem’s structural framework.

The components of nutrition include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fibers, vitamins, minerals, water, and roughage when consumed in the right proportions, gives it the name of ‘balanced diet.’ Likewise, in plants, chemicals being obtained through absorption, transpiration, and photosynthesis are the nutrients that help in their internal processes.

The benefits of following a good nutritional diet plan ranges from good physical health to proper well-being and ensure a good immune system. Good nutrition with proper and regular exercise can assure a person a disease-free future. Even during ailment, proper nutrition can help cure a patient faster and safer. Hence adequate nutrition is a key to a healthy life and a necessity that should be looked after at any cost.

10 Lines on Nutrition in English

  • Nutrition is a natural demand for every source of life on earth.
  • Being deprived of nutrition is as severe as being deprived of any other fundamental rights.
  • Lack of nutrition can give rise to lethal diseases.
  • The knowledge of the classification of nutrients and their biological systems’ roles should be known to all.
  • The benefits of proper nutrition ensure physical and mental well-being.
  • Malnutrition has always been an issue adding to the rise in global hunger for years, as reported by the United Nations.
  • As reported, 1.5 million children die annually due to the lack of proper nutrition.
  • The Human Body’s primary requirement is nutrition. It would be impossible to sustain life without it.
  • Studies on nutrition should be encouraged.
  • Lack of nutrition gives rise to social disparity and discrimination.

FAQ’s on Nutrition Essay

Question 1. What are the benefits of proper nutrition?

Answer:  Proper nutrition helps build the immune system of the body and maintain good physical and mental health.

Question 2. What is a balanced diet?

Answer:  A balanced diet includes all types of the necessary nutrients in the right amount at proper intervals, helping maintain the various human and plant organ systems.

Question 3. What are the results due to a lack of nutrition?

Answer:  The lack of proper nutrition can severely result in malnutrition, which is currently a cause of global hunger.

Question 4. What food should be consumed daily?

Answer:  A diet that includes all of the fundamental nutrients and water in the right amount should be consumed daily with regular exercise.

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Essay on Food And Nutrition – 10 Lines, 100 to 1500 Words

Short Essay on Food And Nutrition

Essay on Food And Nutrition: Food and nutrition play a crucial role in our overall health and well-being. The choices we make about what we eat can have a significant impact on our physical and mental health, energy levels, and even our longevity. In this essay, we will explore the importance of food and nutrition, the benefits of making healthy food choices, and how we can improve our diets to optimize our health and well-being. Let’s delve into the world of food and nutrition and discover the power of good eating habits.

Table of Contents

Food And Nutrition Essay Writing Tips

1. Start by choosing a topic related to food and nutrition that interests you. This could be anything from the benefits of a balanced diet to the impact of fast food on health.

2. Research your chosen topic thoroughly. Look for reputable sources such as scientific studies, government websites, and nutrition experts to gather information and statistics to support your points.

3. Create an outline for your essay. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure that your essay flows logically from one point to the next.

4. Begin your essay with an engaging introduction that introduces the topic and provides some background information. You could start with a shocking statistic or a thought-provoking question to grab the reader’s attention.

5. In the body of your essay, present your main arguments and supporting evidence. Use examples, case studies, and personal anecdotes to illustrate your points and make your essay more engaging.

6. Be sure to include both sides of the argument if there is a debate surrounding your topic. This will show that you have considered different perspectives and can strengthen your argument.

7. Use clear and concise language throughout your essay. Avoid jargon and technical terms unless necessary, and explain any complex concepts in simple terms.

8. Conclude your essay by summarizing your main points and reiterating your thesis statement. You could also offer some suggestions for further research or provide recommendations for readers to take action.

9. Proofread your essay carefully to check for any spelling or grammatical errors. You may also want to have someone else read your essay to provide feedback and suggestions for improvement.

10. Finally, make sure to properly cite any sources you used in your essay to avoid plagiarism. Follow the appropriate citation style (such as APA or MLA) and include a bibliography or works cited page at the end of your essay.

Essay on Food And Nutrition in 10 Lines – Examples

1. Food is essential for survival and provides the body with the necessary nutrients to function properly. 2. Nutrition is the study of how food affects the body and the role of nutrients in maintaining health. 3. A balanced diet is important for overall health, consisting of a variety of foods from all food groups. 4. Macronutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, provide energy and support bodily functions. 5. Micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, are essential for growth, development, and disease prevention. 6. Processed foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats can contribute to chronic diseases like obesity and heart disease. 7. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help prevent these diseases. 8. Proper hydration is also important for overall health and can affect energy levels and cognitive function. 9. Food allergies and intolerances can impact an individual’s ability to consume certain foods and may require dietary modifications. 10. Overall, understanding the importance of food and nutrition can lead to a healthier lifestyle and improved well-being.

Sample Essay on Food And Nutrition in 100-180 Words

Food and nutrition play a crucial role in maintaining our overall health and well-being. The food we consume provides us with essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals that are necessary for our body to function properly.

A balanced diet that includes a variety of foods from different food groups is important for ensuring that we get all the nutrients our body needs. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

It is also important to pay attention to portion sizes and avoid consuming too much processed and sugary foods. Making healthy food choices and practicing portion control can help us maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of developing health problems.

In conclusion, food and nutrition are essential for our overall health and well-being. By making mindful choices about the foods we eat, we can improve our quality of life and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Short Essay on Food And Nutrition in 200-500 Words

Food and nutrition play a crucial role in our overall health and well-being. The food we consume provides us with the necessary nutrients and energy to carry out our daily activities and maintain a healthy lifestyle. It is essential to understand the importance of a balanced diet and make informed choices about the foods we eat.

A balanced diet consists of a variety of foods from different food groups, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy products. Each of these food groups provides essential nutrients that our bodies need to function properly. Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help boost our immune system and protect us from various diseases. Whole grains are a good source of fiber, which aids in digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Lean proteins, such as poultry, fish, and legumes, provide us with essential amino acids that are necessary for muscle growth and repair. Dairy products are a good source of calcium, which is important for maintaining strong bones and teeth.

In addition to consuming a variety of foods, portion control is also important for maintaining a healthy diet. Eating the right portion sizes can help prevent overeating and weight gain. It is important to listen to your body’s hunger cues and stop eating when you feel full. Eating slowly and mindfully can also help you better recognize when you are full and prevent overeating.

Nutrition labels on food packaging can also be a helpful tool in making informed food choices. These labels provide information about the serving size, calories, and nutrient content of the food product. By reading and understanding nutrition labels, you can make healthier choices and avoid foods that are high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and sodium.

In addition to eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated is also important for overall health. Water is essential for digestion, nutrient absorption, and regulating body temperature. It is recommended to drink at least eight glasses of water a day to stay properly hydrated.

Overall, food and nutrition play a vital role in our health and well-being. By consuming a balanced diet, practicing portion control, and staying hydrated, we can maintain a healthy lifestyle and prevent the risk of chronic diseases. Making informed food choices and being mindful of what we eat can have a positive impact on our overall health and quality of life.

Essay on Food And Nutrition in 1000-1500 Words

Food and nutrition are essential aspects of our daily lives. The food we consume provides us with the energy and nutrients needed to sustain life and maintain good health. Nutrition, on the other hand, is the science that studies the relationship between food and health, including how our bodies use nutrients from the foods we eat.

In this essay, we will explore the importance of food and nutrition, the role they play in our overall health, and how we can make informed choices to ensure we are getting the nutrients our bodies need to thrive.

First and foremost, food is fuel for our bodies. It provides us with the energy we need to carry out daily activities, from walking and talking to more strenuous activities like exercising or working. The calories in food are what give us this energy, and they come from the three macronutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Carbohydrates are our body’s primary source of energy. They are found in foods like bread, pasta, rice, and fruits. Proteins are essential for building and repairing tissues in our bodies, and they can be found in foods like meat, fish, eggs, and legumes. Fats are another source of energy and are important for absorbing certain vitamins and minerals. They can be found in foods like oils, nuts, and avocados.

In addition to providing energy, food also provides us with essential nutrients that our bodies need to function properly. These nutrients include vitamins, minerals, and water. Vitamins are organic compounds that are essential for various bodily functions, such as immune system support, cell growth, and energy production. Minerals are inorganic compounds that are necessary for bone health, nerve function, and muscle contraction. Water is essential for hydration and helps regulate body temperature, transport nutrients, and remove waste from the body.

A balanced diet that includes a variety of foods from all food groups is essential for maintaining good health. This means eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. It also means limiting the intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and foods high in saturated fats and added sugars.

Nutrition plays a crucial role in our overall health and well-being. Poor nutrition can lead to a variety of health problems, including obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. On the other hand, a healthy diet can help prevent these conditions and promote overall health and longevity.

Making informed choices about the foods we eat is key to ensuring we are getting the nutrients our bodies need. This means reading food labels, understanding the nutritional content of foods, and making conscious decisions about what we put into our bodies. It also means being mindful of portion sizes and listening to our bodies’ hunger and fullness cues.

In addition to making healthy food choices, it is also important to consider other factors that can impact our nutrition, such as food insecurity, food access, and food culture. Food insecurity is a significant issue that affects millions of people around the world. It refers to the lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. Food insecurity can lead to malnutrition, poor health outcomes, and a cycle of poverty and hunger.

Food access is another important factor to consider when thinking about nutrition. Not everyone has access to fresh, healthy foods, either due to financial constraints, geographic location, or other barriers. This can lead to food deserts, where people have limited access to affordable and nutritious foods. Addressing food access issues is crucial for ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to make healthy food choices.

Food culture also plays a significant role in shaping our dietary habits and preferences. Different cultures have different food traditions, customs, and beliefs about food. These cultural factors can influence what foods we eat, how we prepare them, and when we eat them. Understanding and respecting food culture is important for promoting healthy eating habits and ensuring that everyone has access to culturally appropriate foods.

In conclusion, food and nutrition are essential aspects of our daily lives. The food we eat provides us with the energy and nutrients we need to sustain life and maintain good health. Nutrition is the science that studies the relationship between food and health, including how our bodies use nutrients from the foods we eat.

A balanced diet that includes a variety of foods from all food groups is essential for maintaining good health. Making informed choices about the foods we eat, considering factors like food insecurity, food access, and food culture, is key to ensuring we are getting the nutrients our bodies need to thrive.

By prioritizing nutrition and making conscious decisions about the foods we eat, we can promote overall health and well-being for ourselves and our communities. Food is not just fuel for our bodies; it is also a source of pleasure, comfort, and connection. Let us embrace the power of food and nutrition to nourish our bodies, minds, and spirits.

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Healthy Food Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on healthy food.

Healthy food refers to food that contains the right amount of nutrients to keep our body fit. We need healthy food to keep ourselves fit.

Furthermore, healthy food is also very delicious as opposed to popular thinking. Nowadays, kids need to eat healthy food more than ever. We must encourage good eating habits so that our future generations will be healthy and fit.

Most importantly, the harmful effects of junk food and the positive impact of healthy food must be stressed upon. People should teach kids from an early age about the same.

Healthy Food Essay

Benefits of Healthy Food

Healthy food does not have merely one but numerous benefits. It helps us in various spheres of life. Healthy food does not only impact our physical health but mental health too.

When we intake healthy fruits and vegetables that are full of nutrients, we reduce the chances of diseases. For instance, green vegetables help us to maintain strength and vigor. In addition, certain healthy food items keep away long-term illnesses like diabetes and blood pressure.

Similarly, obesity is the biggest problems our country is facing now. People are falling prey to obesity faster than expected. However, this can still be controlled. Obese people usually indulge in a lot of junk food. The junk food contains sugar, salt fats and more which contribute to obesity. Healthy food can help you get rid of all this as it does not contain harmful things.

In addition, healthy food also helps you save money. It is much cheaper in comparison to junk food. Plus all that goes into the preparation of healthy food is also of low cost. Thus, you will be saving a great amount when you only consume healthy food.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Junk food vs Healthy Food

If we look at the scenario today, we see how the fast-food market is increasing at a rapid rate. With the onset of food delivery apps and more, people now like having junk food more. In addition, junk food is also tastier and easier to prepare.

However, just to satisfy our taste buds we are risking our health. You may feel more satisfied after having junk food but that is just the feeling of fullness and nothing else. Consumption of junk food leads to poor concentration. Moreover, you may also get digestive problems as junk food does not have fiber which helps indigestion.

Similarly, irregularity of blood sugar levels happens because of junk food. It is so because it contains fewer carbohydrates and protein . Also, junk food increases levels of cholesterol and triglyceride.

On the other hand, healthy food contains a plethora of nutrients. It not only keeps your body healthy but also your mind and soul. It increases our brain’s functionality. Plus, it enhances our immunity system . Intake of whole foods with minimum or no processing is the finest for one’s health.

In short, we must recognize that though junk food may seem more tempting and appealing, it comes with a great cost. A cost which is very hard to pay. Therefore, we all must have healthy foods and strive for a longer and healthier life.

FAQs on Healthy Food

Q.1 How does healthy food benefit us?

A.1 Healthy Benefit has a lot of benefits. It keeps us healthy and fit. Moreover, it keeps away diseases like diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol and many more. Healthy food also helps in fighting obesity and heart diseases.

Q.2 Why is junk food harmful?

A.2 Junk food is very harmful to our bodies. It contains high amounts of sugar, salt, fats, oils and more which makes us unhealthy. It also causes a lot of problems like obesity and high blood pressure. Therefore, we must not have junk food more and encourage healthy eating habits.

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USDA MyPlate dietary guidelines

What is human nutrition?

Human nutrition is the process by which substances in food are transformed into body tissues and provide energy for the full range of physical and mental activities that make up human life.

What nutrients are essential for human nutrition?

Proteins, lipids (mostly fats and oils), carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water are essential nutrients for human nutrition.

What foods are the main sources of human nutrition?

The main sources for human nutrition include cereals; starchy roots; legumes; vegetables and fruits; sugars, preserves, and syrups; meat, fish, and eggs; milk and milk products; fats and oils; and beverages.

What does meat provide in human nutrition?

Meat provides protein, which is of high biological value in human nutrition. It consists of about 20 percent protein, 20 percent fat, and 60 percent water. Meat is also a good source of niacin, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, and the mineral nutrients iron, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium.

human nutrition , process by which substances in food are transformed into body tissues and provide energy for the full range of physical and mental activities that make up human life.

The study of human nutrition is interdisciplinary in character, involving not only physiology , biochemistry, and molecular biology but also fields such as psychology and anthropology , which explore the influence of attitudes, beliefs, preferences, and cultural traditions on food choices. Human nutrition further touches on economics and political science as the world community recognizes and responds to the suffering and death caused by malnutrition . The ultimate goal of nutritional science is to promote optimal health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer as well as to prevent classic nutritional deficiency diseases such as kwashiorkor and pellagra .

Learn which foods provide proteins and other nutrients humans need to maintain a healthy, balanced diet

This article covers the major issues of human nutrition, such as energy generation and balance, essential nutrients, and recommended dietary guidelines. For a full-length treatment of health problems created by failure in nutrition, see nutritional disease . The utilization of food materials by all living things is described in nutrition , and specific biochemical processes are described in metabolism .

Utilization of food by the body

Calories and kilocalories : energy supply.

What really makes a nutritious and complete breakfast?

The human body can be thought of as an engine that releases the energy present in the foods that it digests . This energy is utilized partly for the mechanical work performed by the muscles and in the secretory processes and partly for the work necessary to maintain the body’s structure and functions. The performance of work is associated with the production of heat ; heat loss is controlled so as to keep body temperature within a narrow range. Unlike other engines, however, the human body is continually breaking down ( catabolizing ) and building up ( anabolizing ) its component parts. Foods supply nutrients essential to the manufacture of the new material and provide energy needed for the chemical reactions involved.

How to understand the nutrition facts on food labels

Carbohydrate, fat , and protein are, to a large extent, interchangeable as sources of energy. Typically, the energy provided by food is measured in kilocalories, or Calories. One kilocalorie is equal to 1,000 gram- calories (or small calories), a measure of heat energy. However, in common parlance, kilocalories are referred to as “calories.” In other words, a 2,000-calorie diet actually has 2,000 kilocalories of potential energy . One kilocalorie is the amount of heat energy required to raise one kilogram of water from 14.5 to 15.5 °C at one atmosphere of pressure. Another unit of energy widely used is the joule , which measures energy in terms of mechanical work. One joule is the energy expended when one kilogram is moved a distance of one metre by a force of one newton . The relatively higher levels of energy in human nutrition are more likely to be measured in kilojoules (1 kilojoule = 10 3 joules) or megajoules (1 megajoule = 10 6 joules). One kilocalorie is equivalent to 4.184 kilojoules.

proteins

The energy present in food can be determined directly by measuring the output of heat when the food is burned (oxidized) in a bomb calorimeter . However, the human body is not as efficient as a calorimeter, and some potential energy is lost during digestion and metabolism. Corrected physiological values for the heats of combustion of the three energy-yielding nutrients, rounded to whole numbers, are as follows: carbohydrate , 4 kilocalories (17 kilojoules) per gram; protein, 4 kilocalories (17 kilojoules) per gram; and fat, 9 kilocalories (38 kilojoules) per gram. Beverage alcohol ( ethyl alcoho l) also yields energy—7 kilocalories (29 kilojoules) per gram—although it is not essential in the diet. Vitamins , minerals, water, and other food constituents have no energy value, although many of them participate in energy-releasing processes in the body.

The energy provided by a well-digested food can be estimated if the gram amounts of energy-yielding substances (non-fibre carbohydrate, fat, protein, and alcohol) in that food are known. For example, a slice of white bread containing 12 grams of carbohydrate, 2 grams of protein , and 1 gram of fat supplies 67 kilocalories (280 kilojoules) of energy. Food composition tables ( see table) and food labels provide useful data for evaluating energy and nutrient intake of an individual diet. Most foods provide a mixture of energy-supplying nutrients, along with vitamins, minerals, water, and other substances. Two notable exceptions are table sugar and vegetable oil , which are virtually pure carbohydrate (sucrose) and fat, respectively.

The energy value and nutrient content of some common foods
food energy (kcal) carbohydrate (g) protein (g) fat(g) water (g)
Source: Jean A.T. Pennington, Bowes and Church's Food Values of Portions Commonly Used, 17th ed. (1998).
whole wheat bread (1 slice, 28 g) 69 12.9 2.7 1.2 10.6
white bread (1 slice, 25 g) 67 12.4 2.0 0.9 9.2
white rice, short-grain, enriched, cooked (1 cup, 186 g) 242 53.4 4.4 0.4 127.5
lowfat milk (2%) (8 fl oz, 244 g) 121 11.7 8.1 4.7 17.7
butter (1 tsp, 5 g) 36 0 0 4.1 0.8
cheddar cheese (1 oz, 28 g) 114 0.4 7.1 9.4 10.4
lean ground beef, broiled, medium (3.5 oz, 100 g) 272 0 24.7 18.5 55.7
tuna, light, canned in oil, drained (3 oz, 85 g) 168 0 24.8 7.0 50.9
potato, boiled, without skin (1 medium, 135 g) 117 27.2 2.5 0.1 103.9
green peas, frozen, boiled (1/2 cup, 80 g) 62 11.4 4.1 0.2 63.6
cabbage, red, raw (1/2 cup shredded, 35 g) 9 2.1 0.5 0.1 32.0
orange, navel, raw (1 fruit, 131 g) 60 15.2 1.3 0.1 113.7
apple, raw, with skin (1 medium, 138 g) 81 21.0 0.3 0.5 115.8
white sugar, granulated (1 tsp, 4 g) 15 4.0 0 0 0

Throughout most of the world, protein supplies between 8 and 16 percent of the energy in the diet, although there are wide variations in the proportions of fat and carbohydrate in different populations. In more prosperous communities about 12 to 15 percent of energy is typically derived from protein, 30 to 40 percent from fat, and 50 to 60 percent from carbohydrate. On the other hand, in many poorer agricultural societies, where cereals comprise the bulk of the diet, carbohydrate provides an even larger percentage of energy, with protein and fat providing less. The human body is remarkably adaptable and can survive, and even thrive, on widely divergent diets. However, different dietary patterns are associated with particular health consequences ( see nutritional disease ).

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Nutrition, Food and Diet in Health and Longevity: We Eat What We Are

Suresh i. s. rattan.

1 Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark

Gurcharan Kaur

2 Department of Biotechnology, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, India

Associated Data

Not applicable.

Nutrition generally refers to the macro- and micro-nutrients essential for survival, but we do not simply eat nutrition. Instead, we eat animal- and plant-based foods without always being conscious of its nutritional value. Furthermore, various cultural factors influence and shape our taste, preferences, taboos and practices towards preparing and consuming food as a meal and diet. Biogerontological understanding of ageing has identified food as one of the three foundational pillars of health and survival. Here we address the issues of nutrition, food and diet by analyzing the biological importance of macro- and micro-nutrients including hormetins, discussing the health claims for various types of food, and by reviewing the general principles of healthy dietary patterns, including meal timing, caloric restriction, and intermittent fasting. We also present our views about the need for refining our approaches and strategies for future research on nutrition, food and diet by incorporating the molecular, physiological, cultural and personal aspects of this crucial pillar of health, healthy ageing and longevity.

1. Introduction

The terms nutrition, food and diet are often used interchangeably. However, whereas nutrition generally refers to the macro- and micro-nutrients essential for survival, we do not simply eat nutrition, which could, in principle, be done in the form of a pill. Instead, we eat food which normally originates from animal- and plant-based sources, without us being aware of or conscious of its nutritional value. Even more importantly, various cultural factors influence and shape our taste, preferences, taboos and practices towards preparing and consuming food as a meal and diet [ 1 ]. Furthermore, geo-political-economic factors, such as governmental policies that oversee the production and consumption of genetically modified foods, geological/climatic challenges of growing such crops in different countries, and the economic affordability of different populations for such foods, also influence dietary habits and practices [ 2 , 3 ]. On top of all this lurks the social evolutionary history of our species, previously moving towards agriculture-based societies from the hunter-gatherer lifestyle, now becoming the consumers of industrially processed food products that affect our general state of health, the emergence of diseases, and overall lifespan [ 1 , 4 ]. The aim of this article is to provide a commentary and perspective on nutrition, food and diet in the context of health, healthy ageing and longevity.

Biogerontological understanding of ageing has identified food as one of the three foundational pillars of health and survival. The other two pillars, especially in the case of human beings, are physical exercise and socio-mental engagement [ 5 , 6 , 7 ]. A huge body of scientific and evidence-based information has been amassed with respect to the qualitative and quantitative nature of optimal nutrition for human health and survival. Furthermore, a lot more knowledge has developed regarding how different types of foods provide different kinds of nutrition to different extents, and how different dietary practices have either health-beneficial or health-harming effects.

Here we endeavor to address these issues of nutrition, food and diet by analyzing the biological importance of macro- and micro-nutrients, and by discussing the health-claims about animal-based versus plant-based foods, fermented foods, anti-inflammatory foods, functional foods, foods for brain health, and so on. Finally, we discuss the general principles of healthy dietary patterns, including the importance of circadian rhythms, meal timing, chronic caloric restriction (CR), and intermittent fasting for healthy ageing and extended lifespan [ 8 , 9 ]. We also present our views about the need for refining our approaches and strategies for future research on nutrition, food and diet by incorporating the molecular, physiological, cultural and personal aspects of this crucial pillar of health, healthy ageing and longevity.

2. Nutrition for Healthy Ageing

The science of nutrition or the “nutritional science” is a highly advanced field of study, and numerous excellent books, journals and other resources are available for fundamental information about all nutritional components [ 10 ]. Briefly, the three essential macronutrients which provide the basic materials for building biological structures and for producing energy required for all physiological and biochemical processes are proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. Additionally, about 18 micronutrients, comprised of minerals and vitamins, facilitate the optimal utilization of macronutrients via their role in the catalysis of numerous biochemical processes, in the enhancement of their bioavailability and absorption, and in the balancing of the microbiome. Scientific literature is full of information about almost all nutritional components with respect to their importance and role in basic metabolism for survival and health throughout one’s life [ 10 ].

In the context of ageing, a major challenge to maintain health in old age is the imbalanced nutritional intake resulting into nutritional deficiency or malnutrition [ 11 , 12 ]. Among the various reasons for such a condition is the age-related decline in the digestive and metabolic activities, exacerbated by a reduced sense of taste and smell and worsening oral health, including the ability to chew and swallow [ 13 , 14 ]. Furthermore, an increased dependency of the older persons on medications for the management or treatment of various chronic conditions can be antagonistic to certain essential nutrients. For example, long term use of metformin, which is the most frequently prescribed drug against Type 2 diabetes, reduces the levels of vitamin B12 and folate in the body [ 15 , 16 ]. Some other well-known examples of the drugs used for the management or treatment of age-related conditions are cholesterol-lowering medicine statin which can cause coenzyme Q10 levels to be too low; various diuretics (water pills) can cause potassium levels to be too low; and antacids can decrease the levels of vitamin B12, calcium, magnesium and other minerals [ 15 , 16 ]. Thus, medications used in the treatment of chronic diseases in old age can also be “nutrient wasting” or “anti-nutrient” and may cause a decrease in the absorption, bioavailability and utilization of essential micronutrients and may have deleterious effects to health [ 11 ]. In contrast, many nutritional components have the potential to interact with various drugs leading to reduced therapeutic efficacy of the drug or increased adverse effects of the drug, which can have serious health consequences. For example, calcium in dairy products like milk, cheese and yoghurt can inhibit the absorption of antibiotics in the tetracycline and quinolone class, thus compromising their ability to treat infection effectively. Some other well-known examples of food sources which can alter the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of various drugs are grape fruits, bananas, apple juice, orange juice, soybean flour, walnuts and high-fiber foods (see: https://www.aarp.org/health/drugs-supplements/info-2022/food-medication-interaction.html (accessed on 13 November 2022)).

It is also known that the nutritional requirements of older persons differ both qualitatively and quantitatively from young adults [ 11 ]. This is mainly attributed to the age-related decline in the bioavailability of nutrients, reduced appetite, also known as ‘anorexia of ageing,’ as well as energy expenditure [ 12 , 17 , 18 ]. Therefore, in order to maintain a healthy energy balance, the daily uptake of total calories may need to be curtailed without adversely affecting the nutritional balance. This may be achieved by using nutritional supplements with various vitamins, minerals and other micronutrients, without adding to the burden of total calories [ 12 , 17 , 18 ]. More recently, the science of nutrigenomics (how various nutrients affect gene expression), and the science of nutrigenetics (how individual genetic variations respond to different nutrients) are generating novel and important information on the role of nutrients in health, survival and longevity.

3. Food for Healthy Ageing

The concept of healthy ageing is still being debated among biogerontologists, social-gerontologists and medical practioners. It is generally agreed that an adequate physical and mental independence in the activities of daily living can be a pragmatic definition of health in old age [ 7 ]. Thus, healthy ageing can be understood as a state of maintaining, recovering and enhancing health in old age, and the foods and dietary practices which facilitate achieving this state can be termed as healthy foods and diets.

From this perspective, although nutritional requirements for a healthy and long life could be, in principle, fulfilled by simply taking macro- and micro-nutrients in their pure chemical forms, that is not realistic, practical, attractive or acceptable to most people. In practice, nutrition is obtained by consuming animals and plants as sources of proteins, carbohydrates, fats and micronutrients. There is a plethora of tested and reliable information available about various food sources with respect to the types and proportion of various nutrients present in them. However, there are still ongoing discussions and debates as to what food sources are best for human health and longevity [ 19 , 20 ]. Often such discussions are emotionally highly charged with arguments based on faith, traditions, economy and, more recently, on political views with respect to the present global climate crisis and sustainability.

Scientifically, there is no ideal food for health and longevity. Varying agricultural and food production practices affect the nutritional composition, durability and health beneficial values of various foods. Furthermore, the highly complex “science of cooking” [ 21 ], evolved globally during thousands of years of human cultural evolution, has discovered the pros and cons of food preparation methods such as soaking, boiling, frying, roasting, fermenting and other modes of extracting, all with respect to how best to use these food sources for increasing the digestibility and bioavailability of various nutrients, as well as how to eliminate the dangers and toxic effects of other chemicals present in the food.

The science of food preparation and utilization has also discovered some paradoxical uses of natural compounds, especially the phytochemicals such as polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids and others. Most of these compounds are produced by plants as toxins in response to various stresses, and as defenses against microbial infections [ 22 , 23 ]. However, humans have discovered, mostly by trial and error, that numerous such toxic compounds present in algae, fungi, herbs and other sources can be used in small doses as spices and condiments with potential benefits of food preservation, taste enhancement and health promotion [ 23 ].

The phenomenon of “physiological hormesis” [ 24 ] is a special example of the health beneficial effects of phytotoxins. According to the concept of hormesis, a deliberate and repeated use of low doses of natural or synthetic toxins in the food can induce one or more stress responses in cells and tissues, followed by the stimulation of numerous defensive repair and maintenance processes [ 25 , 26 ]. Such hormesis-inducing compounds and other conditions are known as hormetins, categorized as nutritional, physical, biological and mental hormetins [ 27 , 28 , 29 ]. Of these, nutritional hormetins, present naturally in the food or as synthetic hormetins to be used as food supplements, are attracting great attention from food-researchers and the nutraceutical and cosmeceutical industry [ 27 , 30 ]. Other food supplements being tested and promoted for health and longevity are various prebiotics and probiotics strengthening and balancing our gut microbiota [ 31 , 32 , 33 ].

Recently, food corporations in pursuit of both exploiting and creating a market for healthy ageing products, have taken many initiatives in producing new products under the flagship of nutraceuticals, super-foods, functional foods, etc. Such products are claimed and marketed not only for their nutritional value, but also for their therapeutic potentials [ 10 ]. Often the claims for such foods are hyped and endorsed as, for example, anti-inflammatory foods, food for the brain, food for physical endurance, complete foods, anti-ageing foods and so on [ 34 , 35 , 36 ]. Traditional foods enriched with a variety of minerals, vitamins and hormetins are generally promoted as “functional foods” [ 37 ]. Even in the case of milk and dairy products, novel and innovative formulations are claimed to improve their functionality and health promotional abilities [ 38 ]. However, there is yet a lot to be discovered and understood about such reformulated, fortified and redesigned foods with respect to their short- and long-term effects on physiology, microbiota balance and metabolic disorders in the context of health and longevity.

4. Diet and Culture for Healthy and Long Life

What elevates food to become diet and a meal is the manner and the context in which that food is consumed [ 4 ]. Numerous traditional and socio-cultural facets of dietary habits can be even more significant than their molecular, biochemical, and physiological concerns regarding their nutritional ingredients and composition. For example, various well-known diets, such as the paleo, the ketogenic, the Chinese, the Ayurvedic, the Mediterranean, the kosher, the halal, the vegetarian, and more recently, the vegan diet, are some of the diverse expressions of such cultural, social, and political practices [ 1 ]. The consequent health-related claims of such varied dietary patterns have influenced their acceptance and adaptation globally and cross-culturally.

Furthermore, our rapidly developing understanding about how biological daily rhythms affect and regulate nutritional needs, termed “chrono-nutrition”, has become a crucial aspect of optimal and healthy eating habits [ 39 , 40 ]. A similar situation is the so-called “nutrient timing” that involves consuming food at strategic times for achieving certain specific outcomes, such as weight reduction, muscle strength, and athletic performance. The meal-timing and dietary patterns are more anticipatory of health-related outcomes than any specific foods or nutrients by themselves [ 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 ]. However, encouraging people to adopt healthy dietary patterns and meal-timing requires both the availability, accessibility and affordability of food, and the intentional, cultural and behavioral preferences of the people.

Looking back at the widely varying and constantly changing cultural history of human dietary practices, one realizes that elaborate social practices, rituals and normative behaviors for obtaining, preparing and consuming food, are often more critical aspects of health-preservation and health-promotion than just the right combination of nutrients. Therefore, one cannot decide on a universal food composition and consumption pattern ignoring the history and the cultural practices and preferences of the consumers. After all, “we eat what we are”, and not, as the old adage says, “we are what we eat”.

5. Conclusions and Perspectives

Food is certainly one of the foundational pillars of good and sustained health. Directed and selective evolution through agricultural practices and experimental manipulation and modification of food components have been among the primary targets for improving food quality. This is further authenticated by extensive research performed, mainly on experimental animal and cell culture model systems, demonstrating the health-promoting effects of individual nutritional components and biological extracts in the regulation, inhibition or stimulation of different molecular pathways with reference to healthy ageing and longevity [ 45 ]. Similarly, individual nutrients or a combination of a few nutrients are being tested for their potential use as calorie restriction mimetics, hormetins and senolytics [ 46 , 47 , 48 ]. However, most commonly, these therapeutic strategies follow the traditional “one target, one missile” pharmaceutical-like approach, and consider ageing as a treatable disease. Based on the results obtained from such experimental studies, the claims and promises made which can often be either naïve extrapolations from experimental model systems to human applications, or exaggerated claims and even false promises [ 49 ].

Other innovative, and possibly holistic, food- and diet-based interventional strategies for healthy ageing are adopting regimens such as caloric- and dietary-restriction, as well as time-restricted eating (TRE). Intermittent fasting (IF), the regimen based on manipulating the eating/fasting timing, is another promising interventional strategy for healthy ageing. Chrono-nutrition, which denotes the link between circadian rhythms and nutrient-sensing pathways, is a novel concept illustrating how meal timings alignment with the inherent molecular clocks of the cells functions to preserve metabolic health. TRE, which is a variant of the IF regimen, claims that food intake timing in alignment with the circadian rhythm is more beneficial for health and longevity [ 39 , 40 , 41 , 50 ]. Moreover, TRE has translational benefits and is easy to complete in the long term as it only requires limiting the eating time to 8–10 h during the day and the fasting window of 12–16 h without restricting the amount of calories consumed. Some pilot studies on the TRE regimen have reported improvement in glucose tolerance and the management of body weight and blood pressure in obese adults as well as men at risk of T2D. Meta-analyses of several pilot scale studies in human subjects suggest and support the beneficial effects of a TRE regimen on several health indicators [ 39 , 50 ]. Several other practical recommendations, based on human clinical trials have also been recommended for meeting the optimal requirements of nutrition in old age, and for preventing or slowing down the progression of metabolic syndromes [ 39 , 40 , 41 , 50 ].

What we have earlier discussed in detail [ 4 ] is supported by the following quote: “…food is more than just being one of the three pillars of health. Food is both the foundation and the scaffolding for the building and survival of an organism on a daily basis. Scientific research on the macro- and micro-nutrient components of food has developed deep understanding of their molecular, biochemical and physiological roles and modes of action. Various recommendations are repeatedly made and modified for some optimal daily requirements of nutrients for maintaining and enhancing health, and for the prevention and treatment of diseases. Can we envisage developing a “nutrition pill” for perfect health, which could be used globally, across cultures, and at all ages? We don’t think so” [ 4 ].

Our present knowledge about the need and significance of nutrients is mostly gathered from the experimental studies using individual active components isolated from various food sources. In reality, however, these nutritional components co-exist interactively with numerous other compounds, and often become chemically modified through the process of cooking and preservation, affecting their stability and bioavailability. There is still a lot to be understood about how the combination of foods, cooking methods and dietary practices affect health-related outcomes, especially with respect to ageing and healthspan.

An abundance of folk knowledge in all cultures about food-related ‘dos and don’ts’ requires scientific verification and validation. We also need to reconsider and change our present scientific protocols for nutritional research, which seem to be impractical for food and dietary research at the level of the population. It is a great scientific achievement that we have amassed a body of information with respect to the nature of nutritional components required for health and survival, the foods which can provide those nutritional components and the variety of dietary and eating practices which seem to be optimal for healthy survival and longevity.

Finally, whereas abundant availability of and accessibility to food in some parts of the world has led to over-consumption and consequent life-style-induced metabolic diseases and obesity, in many other parts of the world food scarcity and economic disparity continue to perpetuate starvation, malnutrition, poor health and shortened lifespan. Often, it is not a lack of knowledge about the optimal nutrition, food and diet that leads to making bad choices; rather, it is either our inability to access and afford healthy foods or our gullibility to fall prey to the exaggerated claims in the commercial interests of food producing and marketing companies. We must continue to gather more scientific information and knowledge about the biochemical, physiological and cultural aspects of nutrition, food and diet, which should then be recommended and applied wisely and globally, incorporating the social, cultural and environmental needs of all. After all, “we eat what we are”, and not merely “we are what we eat”!

Funding Statement

One of the authors, GK, was funded by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) under Cognitive Science Research Initiative (CSRI), Government of India, grant (DST/CSRI/2018/99). This funding agency has no role in study design, manuscript writing, and data interpretation.

Author Contributions

Both authors (S.I.S.R. and G.K.) conceptualized and wrote the paper equally. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Institutional Review Board Statement

Informed consent statement, data availability statement, conflicts of interest.

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

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The Importance of Eating Healthy Food

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