Nutrition: Linking Food and Health

Introduction to Nutrition

Nutrition is the scientific study of how food and its components affect human health. It is a dynamic and evolving science that integrates knowledge from biology, chemistry, and physiology to understand the relationship between diet and well-being.

• Nutrition is a science that studies how the food we eat affects our health.

• It is a new science, still evolving.

• Nutrition is a complex science involving:

  • Study of chemical compounds in food

  • Analysis of biological systems

  • Understanding food in many contexts

Nutrition plays a role in:

• Deficiencies, diseases, and conditions

  • Health problems

  • Obesity

• Chronic, major diseases, and causes of death

  • Heart disease

  • Cancer

  • Stroke

• General well-being and performance

  • Energy levels

  • Mood

  • Strength

Key Terms

• Nutrition: The science that studies the interactions between living organisms and the substances they consume for sustenance.

• Nutrient: A chemical substance in food that is essential for growth and the maintenance of proper body functioning.

Example

• Deficiency in vitamin C can lead to scurvy, a disease characterized by bleeding gums and weakness.

Choosing What You Eat

Food Choices and Influences

Our food choices are influenced by a variety of factors, including personal preferences, cultural traditions, social influences, and convenience. Understanding these factors helps explain why people eat the way they do and how dietary patterns are formed.

• A nutritious diet maintains our health.

• We choose our diets for many reasons:

  • Cost

  • Culture

  • Habit

  • Social influence

  • Time and convenience

  • Taste preference

  • Emotions

• Greatest nutritional needs should be considered in light of all other factors.

Example

• Someone may choose fast food for convenience, even if aware of its health risks.

Additional info:

• Food choices are also influenced by advertising, availability, and individual health goals.

Practice Questions

Sample Question Analysis

• Nutrition is primarily concerned with how food affects health and is one of the most ancient sciences.

• Modern nutrition focuses on the relationship between diet, nutrient deficiency, and disease.

• Ultra-processed foods are often associated with health risks, but people may choose them for convenience, emotion, or taste preference.