Applied Nutrition

Applied Nutrition

Introduction

To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art.-  La Rochefoucauld.

Hippocrates first coined the word clinical nutrition in 4^th century B.C. The word diet is derived from the Greek word "data" which means healthful living according to proper reflection of food. The science of nutrition is defined as “the study of the Nutrients in food and the body’s handling of them”. Nutrition means “the process of nourishing or being nourished especially, the series of processes by which organism assimilates food and uses it for growth and replacement of tissues”.

Terminology

Nutrition: It may be defined as the science of food and its relationship to health. It is concerned with the part played by nutrients in body growth, development and maintenance.

Dietetics: Dietetics is the practical application of the principles of nutrition. It includes the planning of meals for well and the sick.

Nutrients: A substance in suitable amount is essential for the growth, maintenance, function and reproduction of a cell or organism is called Nutrients. Nutrients consist of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, Vitamins and Minerals.

Macronutrients: Proteins, carbohydrates, and fats are called macronutrients. It supply energy in large quantities to the body and build tissues.

Micronutrients: Vitamins and minerals are called micronutrients. It is needed in small quantity but they play a crucial role to regulate and control body processes.

Malnutrition: Malnutrition is an impairment of health resulting from a deficiency, excess or imbalance of nutrients. It includes under nutrition and over nutrition.

Metabolism: Metabolism is the sum total of building up reactions (anabolism) and breakdown reactions (catabolism) going on inside the body of a living organism.