History of food&nutrition

Since ancient times humans evolved as hunter gatherers with significantly varied diet, determined by the availability. Agriculture developed as a means for procuring food about 11,500 years ago with wheat, rice, maize and potatoes as the abundant food and domesticated animals provided meat, milk and dairy products. The food on which people of that period sustained were dependent on seasons, geography, social status, wealth and religious restrictions. Meat was expensive and poor people sustained chiefly on vegetables, fruits and low quality meat. From archeological evidences it may be concluded that ancient people were not following a nutritious balanced diet.

Nutrition is the process of using essential components [nutrients] of food for growth, development and maintenance of life by every organism. Human nutrition is a process by which food and its nutrients are used for supporting growth and development of the body through many metabolic reactions which help to maintain health and life.

Nutritional science or simply Nutrition is the study of nutrients or some essential components in the food and how they help to attain health and growth through complex biochemical processes happening within the body.

The evolution of modern nutritional science happened in 1926 when first vitamin thiamine was isolated. First half of the 20th century witnessed the synthesis of many vitamins and minerals and their role in diseases. Research studies on the role of nutrition in non-communicable diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity and cancers began only after 2000.

Nutrientsare substances or compounds in the food that promote growth, provide energy, and maintain life. There are more than 40 different types of nutrients in foods and 7 among them are categorized as major group of nutrients. Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and water are major nutrients of human diet and each of them performs unique functions in human body. These nutrients are essential for growth, development and proper functioning of body and mind in all.

Dietetics It is the branch of science concerned with diet and its effects on health, especially with the practical application of a science of nutrition. Dietician nutritionists may design individual nutritional therapies to address specific health issues, such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity and overweight etc. They develop facility-wide nutrition programs for health care, educational, correctional and other institutions increasing public awareness of proper nutritional standards and habits.

Significance of nutrition in the health of population

Nutrition is an integral and crucial part of growth and development of human beings. Lack of nutrients in the consumed food or problems related to their proper absorption may lead to a variety of diseases. Nutrition is often related with balanced diet. But its significance is more than balanced diet for a child or adult. Nutrition is a science that deals with the role of food in growth, development, disease conditions and their management. Nutrition also deals with some physiological conditions of the body where the demand for the food and nutrients is excessive, as in puberty growth spurt, pregnancy and lactation. Old age also is not exempted from the realm of nutrition. Old age is associated with many changes to body as a part of ageing process and waning immunity. Hence nutrition has a significant role in old age to boost the immunity, muscle strength and to prevent infections and degenerative disorders of vital organs of the body. Nutrition has various dimensions in a health care system as health is defined as physical and mental well-being. Nutrition affects the development of brain and creative potentials. Hence child nutrition is relevant in the making of a nation. Nutrition plays a key role in the reproductive health of women and their children. Most of the nations across the world have given emphasis to mother and child nutrition programs in their national health enhancement programs & policies.

Diseases and role of nutrition

Deficiency and excesses of nutrients are associated with ill health. A well balanced diet is important for proper functioning of all the body systems. Deficiency disorders like scurvy, rickets, beriberi, protein calorie malnutrition, are a few examples for deprivation of vitamins and proteins causing ill health. As nutrients are essential for the functioning of immune system many infections and cancers arise as a result of deprivation of many vitamins and minerals. Excesses of nutrients like carbohydrates and fats lead to obesity and non-communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension [high blood pressure], metabolic syndrome and some cancers. A balanced diet or nutrition may lower the risk of non-communicable diseases (such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease), and enhance longevity.

Malnutrition

Malnutrition includes both undernutrition and overweight and its prevalence is more in non-developed and developing countries. ‘Nutritional diseases’ also include developmental abnormalities that can be prevented by proper diet, the interaction of foods and nutrients with drugs, food allergies and intolerances, and food related health hazards.

Need of awareness of nutrition for clinicians

Clinicians should possess a fundamental idea and awareness about nutrition to help the recovery of their patients from illnesses and post-operative wounds & for prevention of diseases and promotion of health. Thus awareness of nutrition has a significant role in medical practice. Routine case& nutritional history, physical examination and laboratory investigations may give physicians the clues to assess nutritional status of the patients. Some features of malnutrition may point out clues to certain diseases. A clinician should consider about nutrition while prescribing medications, making clinical evaluations, while formulating treatment plan etc. For patients with certain chronic ailments of gut, thyroid, kidneys etc. a high cholesterol levels with decreased high density lipoproteins in the blood of a patient prompts the physician to advise low saturated fat, moderately increased polyunsaturated fat and high fiber diet. Similarly excessive intake of supplements of vitamins and minerals can cause certain problems in patients. Knowledge of nutrition may help the physician to diagnose the exact cause. For example, excess intake of vitamin C and calcium may precipitate kidney stones. Very high intake of vitamin B6 or pyridoxine may cause neuropathy; high intake of niacin may cause liver dysfunction. Excessive zinc intake may cause copper deficiency. High manganese supplements may impair iron absorption.

Nutrition for health& beauty

Nutrition plays a significant role in the health of skin and hair. Various nutrients of our food are integral to skin & hair health; their consumption as well as topical application has prominent effects on skin and hair. Nutritional deficiencies may make the skin dry, withered and prematurely aged. The cosmetic industry also uses many vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals as antioxidants and nourishing agents in skin and hair care products.

Nutritional research

Nutrition researches focus on the complex interplay between foods consumed and health and disease in individuals or populations.Nutrition has huge impact on the health of individuals as well as populations. Nutritional researches are important for the application of some particular diet in improving health or managing a disease. However nutritional researches face many challenges .Several research designs are commonly used to assess the impact of dietary interventions on health and some specific diseases. Foods and food products are available in different varieties, brands, and flavors but their nutrional value is different from one another.

Lifestyle Diets

Essential nutrients

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    Minerals

    Minerals are very important micronutrients for the body like vitamins.

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    Fibers

    Fibers are nutrients which help for digestive health, heart health and control blood sugar levels. Of late many people are aware of the significance of fiber in their diet. Lack of fibers may lead to constipation, heart disease and type 2 diabetes and colon cancers.

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    BIOTIN

    What is Biotin vitamin? How does it help pregnant women? Can biotin prevent neuropathic nerve damage? Do biotin supplements improve hair growth?

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    Vitamin B12 - Cobalamin

    It is a vitamin very much important for the health of heart, red blood cells and brain. Severe deficiency of this vitamin in pregnant women may cause neurological deficits or problems in foetus

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    VITAMIN K

    Vitamin K is a fat soluble group of vitamins that help your body for blood clotting, wound healing etc. Vitamin K has an integral role in bone health also.

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    Vitamin D

    It is a fat-soluble vitamin that is very essential for bone health. Of late its significance has increased as its new roles in human health have been unraveled.

Anti -ageing foods

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    Kiwi fruits for healthy ageing

    Kiwis are excellent fruits helping for healthy ageing as their antioxidants fight against oxidative stress caused by free radicals on your skin and vital organs. Kiwi fruits are rich source of micronutrients vitamins K, E, C, folate, and potassium and low in calories

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    Broccoli

    Broccoli the superfood rich in potent antioxidants helps you in healthy ageing

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    Seeds help healthy ageing

    Seeds are rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants The seeds are rich source of B vitamins-niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, vitamin B-6 etc,

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    Pomegranate an anti-ageing food

    Pomegranate arils are packed with nutrients and antioxidants; Pomegranate juice is an affluent source of polyphenols with high antioxidative potential.

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    Spinach

    Spinach is a nutritious green leafy vegetable that contains fibers ,proteins , Vitamin A,C antioxidants and minerals which are vital for healthy ageing.

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    Avocados

    How do avocados help in anti-ageing ? Avocados are rich source of vitamins B,C &D,Biotin,omega fatty acids and many other antioxidants and phyto chemicals .

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    Blueberries

    Blueberries prevent age related impairment of heart ,bones and brain &help healthy ageing .

Obesity &weight loss

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    Physical activity for weight loss

    Role of physical activity in weight loss/obesity management. It can also lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and certain cancers, as well as reduce stress and boost mood.

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    Weight loss supplements safe or not?

    Dietary weight loss supplements promoted for weight loss include a wide variety of products and they are in capsules, tablets, liquids, powders, and bars.

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    MEDITERRANEAN DIET

    The Mediterranean diet is a way of eating that focuses on the traditional diet patterns chiefly including foods from plant kingdom, such as whole grains, vegetables, legumes, fruits, nuts, seeds, herbs and spices etc.

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    Health benefits of volumetric diet

    Volumetric diet is focused on increasing the consumption of low-energy foods which are rich in fibre and have high water content so that bodies feel full and satisfied for longer.

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    JENNY CRAIG DIET

    Jenny Craig is a structured diet plan based around prepackaged foods to manage calories, fat and portion sizes. Jenny's prepackaged meals and recipes also emphasize healthy eating, an active lifestyle and behavior modification

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    Flexitarian Diet

    The flexitarian diet is listed on U.S. News Best Diet Rankings as the second best diet ,falling just behind the Mediterranean diet. The flexitarian diet allows consuming fruits, veggies, whole grains, legumes and nuts, but occasionally you can still enjoy meat and other non veg food.

Immunity boosting foods

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    Oranges to boost your immunity

    Oranges boost immunity due to vitamin C and other antioxidants content Oranges are rich source of potent antioxidants including flavonoids (

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    Walnuts

    Walnuts are a great immunity boosting foods as well as cardiovascular and neuronal health protecting nuts.Include them in your diet to stay healthy

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    Nuts &seeds

    Nuts are nutrient dense foods, made up of unsaturated fat Omega fatty acids which play significant role in brain ,heart and hair health.

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    Immunity boosting foods

    When we get infected with common flue to severe infections the immunity level of the body matters a lot as our immunity determines the speed of recovery, severity of disease manifestations, complications etc. The epidemics and pandemics often remind us the relevance of being concerned about our immune status.

Stay active

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    Stay Active whatever be your age

    Stay active to be healthy and you can stay active in life only if you are healthy! Both are interconnected and we unravel the benefits of being active here

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    Stay active foods for menopausal women & elderly

    Diet ,physical activity & mind relaxation exercises have key roles in tackling the phase of menopausal transition. The stay active foods for menopausal women and elderly are rich in vitamins,minerals ,omega 3 fatty acids and other essential nutrients.

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    Stay active foods for elderly & old people

    As you grow in age , genetic predispositions and lifestyle & environment make a huge impact on health. Healthy lifestyle & diet is very important to prevent age related degenerative and other diseases.

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    Stay active foods for children

    Growing children needs more carbs,protein for energy and bodybuilding . For remaining healthy vitamins,minerals and antioxidants are equally important.Include green leafy vegetables,legumes,meat milk and dairy products and meat in the diet of children. Omega 3 fatty acids also play a key role in building up intellect and cognitive power in growing children.

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    stay active foods for delaying ageing

    Foods that help you stay active as you grow old as a part of ageing process..It is very important to stay active and disease free as one start ageing . Try this MIND diet to keep going active and healthy even when you stat ageing.

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    kiwi smoothie

    Kiwi smoothie is a power packed food with lots of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to keep you active, healthy with glowing skin. This smoothie is rich in potassium, vitamin C ,E ,folates and fibers

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    Pomegranate to stay healthy &active

    Pomegranates can help prevent various disease risk factors including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, oxidative stress, hyperglycemia, and inflammatory activities associated with ageing.. It is a superfood packed with antioxidants to keep you active and healthy.

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    coconut water

    Healthbenefits of coconut water as a stay active drink

Mother&child nutrition

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    Pregnancy diet plan during each trimester

    It is very important to take nutritious and well balanced diet during pregnancy for the development of foetus and the health of the mother. There is increased need for nutrients during pregnancy as pregnancy is associated with many physiological changes in the body .

Skin & hair nutrition

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    Glutathione - antioxidant role in your body

    Glutathione is an effective free radical scavenger and antioxidant promoter. It reduces the impact of oxidative stress on skin either way. It acts as cofactor for several antioxidant enzymes and help antioxidant action. Glutathione helps regeneration of vitamins C and E, both of which are very effective antioxidants in the body.

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    Essential nutrients for hair growth

    Nutritional deficiencies are one of the main causes of hair loss. What are the foods which provide the essential nutrients for promoting hair growth?

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    Zinc &selenium for your skin & hair

    Selenium and zinc are minerals that help your skin from damage due to ultraviolet rays of sun. These minerals play crucial role in hair growth and immunity also.

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    Food sources of collagen for firmness of your skin

    Collagen is reduced in your skin and hair with ageing.This leads to skin damage and enhancing wrinkles and sagging of skin. Reduction in collagen may leads to hair thinning also. How to boost the collagen in your body?

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    Healthy fats for skin radiance & glow

    Fats are essential nutrients for the supple ,glowy look of your skin. Choose healthy fats like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats for healthy glow.

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    Vitamins for glowing skin

    How important vitamins are for your skin internally as wellas externally. Natural sources of vitamin A,C ,E.The external or topical application of vitamins and their uses.

Beauty &health

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    Vitamin for your skin glow & ageing problems

    Vitamin E has vital role in maintaining skin health and beauty. They are effective antioxidants and prevent collagen degradation. Vitamin E is essential for reducing the signs of ageing.

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    Vitamin C for your skin & hair

    Vitamin C helps to nourish your skin protecting it from sun damage as well as age related collagen breakdown. it is also essential for promoting hair growth.

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    Retinol

    Retinols are vitamin A derivatives with anti-wrinkle,anti-ageing effects. what are the benefits of retinol and side effects?

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    Glutathione supplements

    Glutathione possesses certain anti-aging and antioxidant properties. it has gained popularity as a drug in cosmetology and skin care. Glutathione is also used in diseases like cancers,liver damage etc.

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    Beauty vitamins - Vitamins for your hair & skin

    It is always good to get your vitamins through consumption of a well balanced diet, However certain risk groups with nutritional inadequacies may require supplements intake. VitaminA, B complex, C ,D ,E are very essential in optimum levels in your body for a healthy glowing skin &hair.

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    Do biotin supplements help to manage hair loss?

    Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin [B7] essential for metabolizing fats, carbohydrates, and protein .It is also known as vitamin H.Biotin is consumed and recommended for hair loss world wide. Does biotin help hair loss ? What do the evidences state about biotin supplements & hair loss ?

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    Hyaluronic acid benefits for your skin

    Hyaluronic acid is one of the major skin care routine products for anti-ageing and it helps to prevent fine lines and wrinkles by hydrating & moisturizing your skin. It is commonly used as a topical treatment agent such as serum , gel or lotion, however it is also used as filler injections by cosmetic dermatologists.

Nutrition for mental health

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    Vitamins & minerals to boost your mental health

    Vitamins and minerals have crucial roles in sustaining you mentally fit. Vitamin B group, E and minerals such as iron, iodine , lithium, zinc etc. are vital for the health of neurons and in the production of neurotransmitters which help proper functioning of body and mind.

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    Brahmi [ Bacopa Monnieri] for improved cognition &memory

    Brahmi has been in use for treating Alzheimer’s disease as a memory and cognition improving agent .Bacopa Monnieri herb helps in the repair of damaged neurons, neuronal synthesis, and the restoration of nerve synaptic activity, and improves brain function.

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    Mindful eating - Health benefits

    Mindful eating has numerous health benefits including proper digestion and nutrient absorption with improved gut health. Make it your habit!