Functions of food and definitions

Functions of food

1. Food and its functions Dr Mrs Vandana Mahajani

2. What is food? Food is that which nourishes the body. It can be defined as anything that meets the needs for energy, building, regulation and protection of the body. Dr Mrs Vandana Mahajani

3. What is nutrition? Nutrition is defined as food at work in the body. It is the scientific study of food and its relation to health Dr Mrs Vandana Mahajani

4. Functions of food Physiological function Body building or growth Providing energy Regulation of body process (beating of the heart etc) Protective function.( recovery from diseases) Maintenance and repairs Dr Mrs Vandana Mahajani

5. Psychological function They give a sense of comfort, security, love and attention. Sharing of food among friend is a token of friendship and acceptance Friendly get together help in introducing us to new foods Foods are associated with emotions like sweets and chocolates for celebration Food is used for reward and punishment. Dr Mrs Vandana Mahajani

6. Social function Food serves as a reason for get togethers . Temples, gurudwaras serve same food to all Birthdays , marriage and others celebrations become reasons to serve food Males are given more and better food due to their higher status in the society Refreshments served at get togethers bring more people together rather then dividing them Food planned must be wholesome and enjoyable Dr Mrs Vandana Mahajani

7. Some important definitions Nutrients: Nutrients are chemical components of food that supply nourishment to the body. Nutrition: nutrition is the science of food and its interaction with an organism to promote and maintain health. Health: it is a state of complete physical, mental and emotional well being. Dr Mrs Vandana Mahajani

8. Malnutrition: means wrong type of nutrition. It results from excess, deficiency or imbalance of nutrients. Undernutrition : refers to deficiency of calaories or one or more nutrients in the body. Overnutrition : refers to excess of calories or one or more nutrient in the body. Dr Mrs Vandana Mahajani

9. Diet: it means the kind and amount of food consumed every day Balanced diet: Is one that contains all nutrients in the right amount required by the individual Calorie : it is the unit of measuring the enery value of foods or the energy needs of the body Dr Mrs Vandana Mahajani

10. RDA means Recommended Dietary Allowance are the levels of intake of essential nutrients considered to be adequate to meet the known nutritional needs . Dr Mrs Vandana Mahajani