3.1. Introduction

The onset of adolescence brings with it many profound changes. The growth rate speeds up dramatically. This growth spurt occurs due to the activity of hormones that affect every organ of the body and this makes healthy eating very important. The nutrient needs rise throughout childhood, peak in adolescence and then level off or even diminish as the teenager becomes an adult.

During adolescence, individuals experience rapid physical changes due to hormonal influences. This growth phase requires a higher intake of nutrients compared to childhood. As the body prepares for adulthood, it is crucial to pay attention to dietary habits to ensure proper growth and development.

Consider how a plant grows: to reach its full potential, it needs adequate sunlight, water, and the right nutrients from the soil. Similarly, teenagers need the right food to support their rapid growth.

The saying ‘You are what you eat’ seems to be proven true. We eat different kinds of food such as dal, chapatti, bread, rice, vegetables, milk, lassi, etc. All these different kinds of food provide us with nutrients to keep us healthy and active. It is important to know what food to eat in order to stay healthy.

This phrase highlights the direct relationship between our food choices and overall health. By consuming a variety of foods, we ensure that we get the essential nutrients our bodies need to function optimally. Knowing which foods offer specific benefits helps us make better dietary choices.

Think of a car: it needs the right fuel to run efficiently. If you put low-quality fuel in, it won’t perform well. Our bodies function similarly; the quality of the food we eat directly affects our health.

The science of food and nutrients and their action on our health is called Nutrition. Nutrition and health, in fact, are two sides of the same coin. They are, therefore, inseparable. Health depends to a large extent on nutrition, and nutrition depends on the food intake.

Nutrition is crucial for maintaining health. The food we consume provides the building blocks (nutrients) our bodies need. If we neglect our nutritional needs, our health can suffer, leading to various ailments and issues.

Consider building a house: you need quality materials to construct a sturdy structure. Likewise, our bodies require high-quality nutrients to remain strong and healthy.

• Food can be defined as anything solid or liquid which when swallowed, digested and assimilated in the body provides it with essential substances called nutrients and keeps it well. It is the basic necessity of life. Food supplies energy, enables growth and repair of tissues and organs. It also protects the body from disease and regulates body functions.

Food serves several vital functions in our bodies. It provides energy, helps us grow, repairs tissues, and even protects us from illnesses. When we eat, our bodies break down food to extract these nutrients, which are essential for survival.

Imagine food as a battery for your phone. Just as a phone needs a charged battery to function properly, our bodies need food to have energy for everyday activities.

• Nutrition is defined as the science of foods, nutrients and other substances they contain; and of their actions within the body including ingestion, digestion, absorption, metabolism and excretion. While this summarises the physiological dimensions, nutrition has social, psychological and economic dimensions too.

Nutrition encompasses a broad range of studies related to how food interacts with our bodies. It’s not just about eating; it involves understanding how food affects our health on multiple levels, including socially and economically.

Nutrition is like a web: every strand represents a different aspect of your relationship with food, including its physical effects, how it affects your mood, and the economic factors affecting food access.

• Nutrients are the constituents in food that must be supplied to the body in suitable amounts. These include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins, water and fibre. We need a wide range of nutrients to keep ourselves healthy. Most foods contain more than one nutrient such as milk has proteins, fats, etc. Nutrients can be classified as macronutrients and micronutrients on the basis of the required quantity to be consumed by us every day.

Nutrients are categorized based on how much we require them – macronutrients are needed in larger amounts (like carbohydrates and proteins), while micronutrients (like vitamins and minerals) are needed in smaller amounts but are just as essential.

Think of macronutrients as the big building blocks of a structure, while micronutrients are the intricate details that enhance the building's stability and beauty. Both are necessary for the overall strength.

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