Role of Nutrition Education in Promoting Healthy Diet

Food and Nutrition are an extremely significant part of anyone’s life. It is said that the mindset of an individual is made up of what he consumes in the part of his nutritional requirements. Well formulated and efficient nutrition education help in encouraging individuals to contribute to the changes in their dietary habits. Also, nutrition education provides them with better information to develop healthy food choices while keeping economic sources in their mind. Nutrition Education is among the purposes for which parents admit their children to schools or learning institutions. It is a form of learning from which children gain skills to be healthy and also self-discipline to live a healthy life.

 Nutrition Education

The need for Nutrition Education in an educational institution is an important factor. Students should be provided with the knowledge of nutrition so that they can get the proper information to maintain proper healthy diets. The concern of over-nutrition, obesity, and diet-related chronic diseases is increasing day by day. Therefore, the goal of Nutrition Education is to develop a healthy diet. A healthy diet provides proper functioning which is the need of every organ of the body. Children who do not know anything about nutrition education may lead to diseases quickly. Hence, they do not have the proper information about what to eat and what tends to unhealthy diets. Therefore, an individual who follows a healthy diet routine is less likely to suffer from a disease like diabetes. Such a healthy lifestyle may lead to the chances of most severe diseases.

Need for Nutrition Education

There are almost more than 900 million people who are in the stage of Undernutrition. Approximately 170 million children are underweight, children who do not get enough energy or nutrition. In most countries of the world, the problem of malnutrition is severe. Thus, a healthy routine can extend life expectancy. However, a healthy diet routine is not that easy to follow, and stick to it. However, the continuous practice can help children to control their appetites. Thus, it also helps them to enjoy a good meal without getting through the need to eat anything else. Thus, nutrition education helps children in controlling their cravings and also reduces the chance of disease.

The significance of nutrition education lies in the fact that it helps in encouraging healthy dietary habits in an individual. One of the most significant things which a child needs to know about nutrition education is the sources available for healthy eating. There are so many resources that are available for getting better information. These sources are not only confined to magazines or television, but these also can be accessed through the internet. In the present era of digitalization, there are so many websites that indulge in educating people about nutrition.

Aside from that, people can get a major amount of information and guidance by seeking any nutrition expert. Once a child learned the benefits and significance of healthy eating for a better life. Therefore, he/ she will be able to add a proper diet to their daily routine. Nutrition Education is the teaching which gives the child a better way of living that will become a stronger foundation for their healthy future.

Essential Nutrition for Healthy Diet

Most people believe that better nutrition is equal to better health. However, they properly are not aware of the fact how specific nutrition affects the working of the body. Our nervous system, skin, tissues, and hair all need specific nutrition for their growth. To develop a healthy diet and to help others, you have to understand the main components of a healthy diet. Some of these components are:-

Protein

The molecules of protein are heavy lifters of the cellular network. The protein molecules are required for the function and regulation of body organs. The protein molecules are made up of several amino acids. Foods such as meat, fish, dairy products, and tofu are the major sources of protein. An insufficient amount of protein in the body can lead to the weakening of the immune system.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the source from where your body and brain get energy. They break into blood glucose molecules, which transfer energy through the bloodstream. Specifically, carbohydrates include Oxygen, Hydrogen, and Carbon in a specific ratio. Mainly fruits, vegetables, milk, whole grains, and rice are the sources of carbohydrates.

Fats

Fats are not just a powerhouse of calories. However, they also serve many functions in the food we eat. Good fats can protect your heart whereas bad fats can cause damage to your heart. Fats also help in absorbing fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E. Some of the sources of Fats are pumpkin, flaxseed, sesame seeds, sunflower, etc.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are the molecules that fight free radicals of the body. Free radicals are compounds that can cause diseases like cancer and diabetes if their level becomes high. Resulting, your body needs to balance free radicals and antioxidants. However, antioxidants are found in vegetables, fruits, and vitamins such as vitamin E and C.

 Conclusion:-

Thus, the knowledge of good nutrition can result in independence by maintaining physical strength and abilities. Therefore, Nutrition Education is a significant way to add to the curriculum of children. Due to that, they can develop a positive attitude towards good nutrition and physical activities. Therefore, Nutrition education is a step towards a more aware and healthy youth, especially in times of COVID-19.

To read more articles, click here.