HUMAN HEALTH AND IMPORTANCE OF NUTRITION

In addition to maintaining normal physical processes, nutrition also promotes growth and development and lowers the risk of chronic illnesses. It is necessary for optimum health and vigour that we get a diet rich in essential nutrients and well-balanced. Nutritious food can enhance physical and mental potential. Macro-nutrients and micro-nutrients are the two main categories of nutrients found in a diet. Diet is an important contributor to human health, and public health bodies are issuing guidelines aimed at favouring healthy food choices. Low food intake and infections are the immediate causes of malnutrition. Many countries struggle with malnutrition or caloric deficits, while others encounter difficulties with caloric overconsumption and micronutrient deficiencies. A multitude of factors contribute to this global problem. Considering the health challenges facing our world population, the need is clear for continually improving recommendations and strategies to promote human health. The purpose of this study was to provide information on the functions of different nutrients, the conditions caused by their deficiency, the components of a healthy diet, and the complications of different types of malnutrition. A lot of research is being done, and new findings are published every day to increase our knowledge about food and nutrition and to find ways to apply this knowledge in choosing the right foods to eat so that our body is well nourished and healthy. For the maintenance of health and growth and to develop greater resistance against infections, one must consume balanced food that contains all the nutrients in the correct proportion.