Fundamentals of Health and Nutrition
Introduction to Health
Health is not simply the absence of disease or physical weakness. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health is defined as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. Good health is a fundamental human right and a vital component of human resource development.
When people are healthy, they are more efficient at work. This increases productivity and brings economic prosperity. Good health also increases the life expectancy of people and reduces infant and maternal mortality rates. Achieving a state of good health requires a combination of a balanced diet, personal hygiene, clean environmental conditions, and regular physical exercise.
Nutrition and Human Health
Nutrition is the biological process by which living organisms obtain and utilize food for survival, growth, and tissue repair. The food we consume contains complex chemical substances that are broken down by the digestive system into simpler forms. The body then absorbs these simpler substances to produce energy and maintain various bodily functions.
Poor nutrition can lead to reduced immunity, increased susceptibility to disease, impaired physical and mental development, and reduced productivity. Therefore, consuming a balanced diet—which provides all the necessary nutrients in the correct proportions—is essential for maintaining optimum health.
