Food and Health - Question Paper

Subject: Science
Topic: Food and Health
Total Marks: 290 Marks
Time: 3 Hours

Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) - 100 Questions × 1 Mark = 100 Marks

Instructions: Choose the correct answer from the given options.

Which nutrient provides the most concentrated form of energy? a) Carbohydrates b) Proteins c) Fats d) Vitamins
Kwashiorkor is caused by deficiency of: a) Carbohydrates b) Proteins c) Fats d) Water
Which vitamin deficiency causes night blindness? a) Vitamin A b) Vitamin B c) Vitamin C d) Vitamin D
The main function of roughage in our diet is: a) Provide energy b) Build muscles c) Aid digestion d) Form blood
Anaemia is caused by deficiency of: a) Calcium b) Iron c) Iodine d) Sodium
Which disease is characterized by soft and weak bones? a) Scurvy b) Beriberi c) Rickets d) Goitre
Goitre is caused by deficiency of: a) Iron b) Calcium c) Iodine d) Phosphorus
Which of the following is a lifestyle disease? a) Kwashiorkor b) Scurvy c) Diabetes d) Beriberi
Sprouted foods are beneficial because they: a) Taste better b) Are cheaper c) Have increased nutrients d) Last longer
Food adulteration means: a) Adding nutrients b) Adding harmful substances c) Cooking food d) Preserving food
Which nutrient is essential for growth and repair of tissues? a) Carbohydrates b) Fats c) Proteins d) Water
Marasmus is characterized by: a) Swelling b) Severe wasting c) Night blindness d) Bleeding gums
Vitamin C deficiency causes: a) Rickets b) Scurvy c) Beriberi d) Goitre
Which of the following is NOT a component of balanced diet? a) Proteins b) Vitamins c) Medicines d) Minerals
Hypertension is also known as: a) Low blood pressure b) High blood pressure c) Diabetes d) Obesity
Fermented foods are rich in: a) Vitamins only b) Minerals only c) Probiotics d) Carbohydrates only
Which symptom is associated with diabetes? a) Bleeding gums b) Frequent urination c) Swelling d) Night blindness
Junk food is typically: a) High in nutrients b) Low in calories c) High in unhealthy fats d) Rich in fiber
Water helps in: a) Providing energy b) Building muscles c) Transporting nutrients d) All of these
Beriberi is caused by deficiency of: a) Vitamin B1 b) Vitamin B2 c) Vitamin B12 d) Vitamin C
Which food is rich in carbohydrates? a) Eggs b) Rice c) Butter d) Milk
Pot belly is a symptom of: a) Marasmus b) Kwashiorkor c) Scurvy d) Rickets
Iron deficiency leads to: a) Goitre b) Rickets c) Anaemia d) Scurvy
Which is an example of sprouted food? a) Bread b) Sprouted moong c) Rice d) Oil
BMI stands for: a) Basic Metabolic Index b) Body Mass Index c) Blood Mineral Index d) Bone Mineral Index
Vitamin D deficiency affects: a) Eyes b) Bones c) Blood d) Thyroid
Which nutrient helps prevent constipation? a) Proteins b) Fats c) Fiber d) Vitamins
Tooth decay is mainly caused by excessive: a) Proteins b) Fats c) Sugar d) Vitamins
Probiotics are beneficial: a) Bacteria b) Vitamins c) Minerals d) Proteins
Which organ is affected in goitre? a) Liver b) Kidney c) Thyroid gland d) Heart
Edema means: a) Weight loss b) Swelling c) Weakness d) Blindness
Which vitamin is essential for blood clotting? a) Vitamin A b) Vitamin C c) Vitamin D d) Vitamin K
Obesity increases risk of: a) Night blindness b) Scurvy c) Diabetes d) Rickets
Which is NOT a symptom of anaemia? a) Weakness b) Fatigue c) Pale skin d) Swelling
Whole grains are good sources of: a) Proteins only b) Fats only c) Fiber d) Water only
Hypertension is called silent killer because: a) It kills quickly b) Often has no symptoms c) Cannot be treated d) Is very rare
Which food should be avoided to prevent tooth decay? a) Fruits b) Vegetables c) Sugary foods d) Milk
Idli and dosa are examples of: a) Sprouted foods b) Fermented foods c) Junk foods d) Raw foods
Adding water to milk is an example of: a) Food preservation b) Food adulteration c) Food processing d) Food fortification
Which nutrient is most important for athletes? a) Vitamins only b) Minerals only c) Carbohydrates d) Water only
Stunted growth is a symptom of: a) Obesity b) Diabetes c) Kwashiorkor d) Hypertension
Which deficiency causes poor wound healing? a) Vitamin A b) Vitamin C c) Vitamin D d) Iron
Excessive junk food consumption leads to: a) Better health b) Weight gain c) Improved immunity d) Better digestion
Which is the best source of Vitamin D? a) Milk b) Fruits c) Sunlight d) Meat
Nerve damage is associated with: a) Scurvy b) Beriberi c) Rickets d) Goitre
Which nutrient deficiency affects the thyroid gland? a) Iron b) Calcium c) Iodine d) Sodium
Yogurt is beneficial because it contains: a) High sugar b) Probiotics c) Artificial colors d) Preservatives
Which symptom is NOT associated with rickets? a) Soft bones b) Bowed legs c) Bleeding gums d) Delayed growth
Food adulteration is: a) Legal b) Beneficial c) Illegal d) Recommended
Which lifestyle change can prevent obesity? a) Eating more junk food b) Regular exercise c) Sleeping more d) Watching TV
Shortness of breath is a symptom of: a) Night blindness b) Anaemia c) Goitre d) Scurvy
Which food is artificially ripened using harmful chemicals? a) Vegetables b) Fruits c) Grains d) Dairy products
Fatigue is a common symptom of: a) Good health b) Nutrient deficiency c) Overeating d) Exercise
Which is the main function of minerals? a) Provide energy b) Build bones and teeth c) Insulate body d) Store energy
Increased thirst is a symptom of: a) Diabetes b) Scurvy c) Rickets d) Goitre
Which food component should be increased to prevent constipation? a) Sugar b) Salt c) Fiber d) Oil
Heart problems can be associated with: a) Scurvy b) Beriberi c) Night blindness d) Rickets
Which is an example of food adulteration? a) Adding vitamins b) Adding stones to rice c) Cooking food d) Washing food
Sprouting increases the content of: a) Calories only b) Water only c) Vitamins and minerals d) Salt only
Which disease is characterized by very thin body? a) Kwashiorkor b) Marasmus c) Obesity d) Diabetes
Dizziness can be a symptom of: a) Good nutrition b) Hypertension c) Proper diet d) Exercise
Which nutrient helps in temperature regulation? a) Proteins b) Carbohydrates c) Water d) Fats
Joint pain is associated with: a) Scurvy b) Night blindness c) Goitre d) Diabetes
Which is the best way to prevent lifestyle diseases? a) Taking medicines b) Healthy lifestyle c) Eating more d) Sleeping less
Pale skin is a symptom of: a) Rickets b) Anaemia c) Scurvy d) Beriberi
Which food processing method improves gut health? a) Frying b) Boiling c) Fermentation d) Grilling
Unexplained weight loss is a symptom of: a) Obesity b) Diabetes c) Kwashiorkor d) Hypertension
Which is NOT a harmful effect of junk food? a) Weight gain b) Nutrient deficiency c) Improved immunity d) Dental problems
Changes in hair and skin are symptoms of: a) Marasmus b) Kwashiorkor c) Scurvy d) Beriberi
Which mineral is essential for blood formation? a) Calcium b) Iron c) Sodium d) Potassium
Difficulty seeing in dim light indicates: a) Vitamin A deficiency b) Vitamin C deficiency c) Iron deficiency d) Calcium deficiency
Which is a probiotic food? a) Bread b) Rice c) Yogurt d) Oil
Bowed legs are associated with: a) Scurvy b) Rickets c) Beriberi d) Goitre
Food adulteration can cause: a) Better taste b) Health problems c) Longer shelf life d) Lower cost
Which nutrient provides insulation to the body? a) Carbohydrates b) Proteins c) Fats d) Vitamins
Headaches can be a symptom of: a) Good health b) Hypertension c) Proper nutrition d) Exercise
Which is the best source of probiotics? a) Meat b) Fermented foods c) Fried foods d) Sweet foods
Delayed growth is associated with: a) Proper nutrition b) Rickets c) Good health d) Exercise
Which practice should be avoided? a) Eating fruits b) Drinking water c) Food adulteration d) Exercise
Gut health is improved by: a) Junk food b) Fermented foods c) Sugary drinks d) Fried foods
Which is a fat-soluble vitamin? a) Vitamin B b) Vitamin C c) Vitamin D d) All vitamins
Swelling of thyroid gland indicates: a) Iron deficiency b) Iodine deficiency c) Calcium deficiency d) Protein deficiency
Which lifestyle disease is called silent killer? a) Diabetes b) Obesity c) Hypertension d) All of these
Nutrient absorption is improved by: a) Junk food b) Sprouted foods c) Fried foods d) Sugary foods
Which is NOT a deficiency disease? a) Kwashiorkor b) Scurvy c) Obesity d) Rickets
Artificial colors in spices is an example of: a) Food preservation b) Food adulteration c) Food fortification d) Food processing
Which helps in wound healing? a) Vitamin A b) Vitamin C c) Vitamin D d) Iron
Digestive problems are caused by: a) High fiber diet b) Low fiber diet c) Balanced diet d) Protein rich diet
Which is essential for all bodily functions? a) Carbohydrates b) Proteins c) Water d) Fats
Immunity is boosted by: a) Junk food b) Fermented foods c) Sugary drinks d) Fried foods
Which deficiency affects blood formation? a) Calcium b) Iron c) Iodine d) Sodium
Easier digestion is a benefit of: a) Junk food b) Sprouted foods c) Fried foods d) Processed foods
Which is a symptom of severe malnutrition? a) Obesity b) Wasting of muscles c) High blood pressure d) Diabetes
Food safety is compromised by: a) Proper cooking b) Food adulteration c) Washing food d) Storing properly
Which nutrient is needed in small amounts? a) Carbohydrates b) Proteins c) Vitamins d) Water
Long-term junk food consumption increases risk of: a) Better health b) Heart disease c) Improved immunity d) Better digestion
Which is the main cause of tooth decay? a) Calcium b) Iron c) Sugar d) Protein
Beneficial bacteria in gut are called: a) Pathogens b) Probiotics c) Antibiotics d) Vitamins
Which practice improves food quality? a) Adulteration b) Sprouting c) Adding chemicals d) Mixing inferior substances
Balanced diet should include: a) Only carbohydrates b) Only proteins c) All nutrients d) Only vitamins

Section B: Short Answer Questions (1 Mark each) - 50 Questions × 1 Mark = 50 Marks

Instructions: Answer in one word or one sentence.

Name the disease caused by Vitamin A deficiency.
What is the main function of carbohydrates in our body?
Which mineral deficiency causes anaemia?
Define food adulteration.
Name one symptom of kwashiorkor.
Which vitamin deficiency causes scurvy?
What does BMI stand for?
Name one fermented food.
Which nutrient helps in digestion?
What causes goitre?
Name the disease caused by Vitamin D deficiency.
Which nutrient provides concentrated energy?
What is the main symptom of night blindness?
Name one sprouted food.
Which deficiency causes beriberi?
What are probiotics?
Name one lifestyle disease.
Which nutrient is essential for growth?
What causes marasmus?
Name one harmful effect of junk food.
Which vitamin is needed for blood clotting?
What is hypertension?
Name one symptom of anaemia.
Which nutrient regulates body temperature?
What is the main cause of obesity?
Name one benefit of sprouted foods.
Which gland is affected in goitre?
What is roughage?
Name one symptom of diabetes.
Which nutrient protects organs?
What causes rickets?
Name one probiotic food.
Which disease is called silent killer?
What is edema?
Name one symptom of scurvy.
Which nutrient builds muscles?
What improves gut health?
Name one example of food adulteration.
Which deficiency affects bones?
What is the function of minerals?
Name one symptom of beriberi.
Which foods should be avoided for dental health?
What increases nutrient absorption?
Name one water-soluble vitamin.
Which lifestyle change prevents obesity?
What is the benefit of fermentation?
Name one symptom of kwashiorkor other than swelling.
Which nutrient is needed for wound healing?
What causes digestive problems in junk food?
Name one fat-soluble vitamin.

Section C: Short Answer Questions (2 Marks each) - 25 Questions × 2 Marks = 50 Marks

Instructions: Answer in 2-3 sentences.

Explain the difference between kwashiorkor and marasmus.
List any four components of a balanced diet.
What are the symptoms of Vitamin A deficiency?
Explain why sprouted foods are considered healthy.
What is food adulteration? Give two examples.
List the symptoms of anaemia.
Explain the harmful effects of junk food on health.
What are the benefits of fermented foods?
Describe the symptoms of rickets.
What is hypertension and why is it dangerous?
List the symptoms of diabetes.
Explain the importance of roughage in diet.
What are lifestyle diseases? Give two examples.
Describe the symptoms of scurvy.
What are the functions of water in our body?
Explain why obesity is considered a health risk.
List the symptoms of beriberi.
What are probiotics and their benefits?
Describe the symptoms of goitre.
Explain the importance of proteins in diet.
What are the effects of iron deficiency?
List four harmful effects of food adulteration.
Explain the benefits of including fruits and vegetables in diet.
What are the symptoms of severe malnutrition?
Describe the role of vitamins in maintaining health.

Section D: Long Answer Questions (3 Marks each) - 15 Questions × 3 Marks = 90 Marks

Instructions: Answer in 4-6 sentences with proper explanation.

Explain the concept of balanced diet. List all its components with their functions and give examples of food sources for each.
Describe kwashiorkor in detail including its cause, symptoms, and the population most affected by this condition.
What is food adulteration? Explain its harmful effects on health and suggest measures to prevent it.
Compare and contrast deficiency diseases and lifestyle diseases. Give three examples of each with their causes.
Explain the importance of sprouted and fermented foods in our diet. How do these processing methods improve nutritional value?
Describe anaemia in detail including its cause, symptoms, prevention, and the groups of people most at risk.
What are lifestyle diseases? Explain diabetes as a lifestyle disease including its symptoms, causes, and prevention methods.
Explain the harmful effects of consuming junk food regularly. How does it contribute to various health problems?
Describe rickets in detail including its cause, symptoms, prevention, and why children are more susceptible to this disease.
What is hypertension? Explain why it is called a 'silent killer' and discuss its long-term effects on health.
Explain the role of vitamins in maintaining good health. Describe any three vitamin deficiency diseases with their symptoms.
Describe the importance of water in our body. Explain what happens when the body doesn't get enough water.
What are probiotics? Explain their benefits for digestive health and overall immunity. Give examples of probiotic foods.
Explain obesity as a lifestyle disease. Discuss its causes, health risks, and prevention strategies.
Describe the importance of minerals in our diet. Explain iron deficiency and iodine deficiency with their effects on health.

Answer Key

Food and Health Answer Script

Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) - Answers

c) Fats
b) Proteins
a) Vitamin A
c) Aid digestion
b) Iron
c) Rickets
c) Iodine
c) Diabetes
c) Have increased nutrients
b) Adding harmful substances
c) Proteins
b) Severe wasting
b) Scurvy
c) Medicines
b) High blood pressure
c) Probiotics
b) Frequent urination
c) High in unhealthy fats
c) Transporting nutrients
a) Vitamin B1
b) Rice
b) Kwashiorkor
c) Anaemia
b) Sprouted moong
b) Body Mass Index
b) Bones
c) Fiber
c) Sugar
a) Bacteria
c) Thyroid gland
b) Swelling
d) Vitamin K
c) Diabetes
d) Swelling
c) Fiber
b) Often has no symptoms
c) Sugary foods
b) Fermented foods
b) Food adulteration
c) Carbohydrates
c) Kwashiorkor
b) Vitamin C
b) Weight gain
c) Sunlight
b) Beriberi
c) Iodine
b) Probiotics
c) Bleeding gums
c) Illegal
b) Regular exercise
b) Anaemia
b) Fruits
b) Nutrient deficiency
b) Build bones and teeth
a) Diabetes
c) Fiber
b) Beriberi
b) Adding stones to rice
c) Vitamins and minerals
b) Marasmus
b) Hypertension
c) Water
a) Scurvy
b) Healthy lifestyle
b) Anaemia
c) Fermentation
b) Diabetes
c) Improved immunity
b) Kwashiorkor
b) Iron
a) Vitamin A deficiency
c) Yogurt
b) Rickets
b) Health problems
c) Fats
b) Hypertension
b) Fermented foods
b) Rickets
c) Food adulteration
b) Fermented foods
c) Vitamin D
b) Iodine deficiency
c) Hypertension
b) Sprouted foods
c) Obesity
b) Food adulteration
b) Vitamin C
b) Low fiber diet
c) Water
b) Fermented foods
b) Iron
b) Sprouted foods
b) Wasting of muscles
b) Food adulteration
c) Vitamins
b) Heart disease
c) Sugar
b) Probiotics
b) Sprouting
c) All nutrients

Section B: Short Answer Questions (1 Mark each) - Answers

Night Blindness.
Primary source of energy.
Iron deficiency.
Intentionally debasing food quality by adding harmful substances or removing valuable ingredients.
Swelling (edema) or pot belly.
Vitamin C deficiency.
Body Mass Index.
Yogurt or Idli/Dosa.
Roughage (Fiber).
Iodine deficiency.
Rickets.
Fats.
Difficulty seeing in dim light or at night.
Sprouted moong or chana.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) deficiency.
Beneficial bacteria that improve gut health.
Obesity, Diabetes, or Hypertension.
Proteins.
Severe deficiency of protein and calories.
Weight gain, nutrient deficiency, or dental problems.
Vitamin K.
High blood pressure.
Weakness, fatigue, or pale skin.
Water.
Overeating and lack of physical activity.
Increased nutrient content, easier digestion, or improved nutrient absorption.
Thyroid gland.
Dietary fiber that aids digestion and prevents constipation.
Frequent urination, increased thirst, or unexplained weight loss.
Fats.
Vitamin D deficiency.
Yogurt.
Hypertension.
Swelling.
Bleeding gums, fatigue, or joint pain.
Proteins.
Fermented foods or probiotics.
Adding water to milk or mixing stones in rice.
Vitamin D deficiency.
Build bones and teeth, blood formation, and other body processes.
Weakness, nerve damage, or heart problems.
Sugary foods.
Sprouted foods or fermented foods.
Vitamin B or Vitamin C.
Regular exercise and balanced diet.
Enriches food with probiotics, enhances nutrient absorption, and boosts immunity.
Stunted growth, changes in hair and skin.
Vitamin C.
Low fiber content.
Vitamin A, D, E, or K.

Section C: Short Answer Questions (2 Marks each) - Answers

Kwashiorkor is caused by severe protein deficiency, leading to symptoms like swelling (edema) and pot belly. Marasmus is caused by severe deficiency of both protein and calories, resulting in severe wasting of muscles and fat, and a very thin body.
Four components of a balanced diet are: Carbohydrates, Proteins, Fats, and Vitamins.
Symptoms of Vitamin A deficiency include difficulty seeing in dim light or at night (night blindness). In severe cases, it can lead to permanent blindness.
Sprouted foods are considered healthy because the sprouting process increases their nutrient content (vitamins and minerals), makes them easier to digest, and improves the absorption of these nutrients by the body.
Food adulteration is the act of intentionally debasing the quality of food by adding inferior or harmful substances. Two examples are adding water to milk and mixing stones in rice.
Symptoms of anaemia include weakness, fatigue, pale skin, and shortness of breath.
Junk food is harmful because it is high in unhealthy fats, sugar, and salt, leading to weight gain, obesity, and an increased risk of lifestyle diseases like diabetes and heart disease. It also lacks essential nutrients, causing deficiencies.
Fermented foods are beneficial because they are rich in probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria. These probiotics improve gut health, enhance nutrient absorption, and boost the body's immunity.
Symptoms of rickets include soft and weak bones, leading to deformities like bowed legs. It can also cause delayed growth in children.
Hypertension is persistently high blood pressure. It is dangerous because it often has no obvious symptoms (silent killer) but can lead to serious long-term health problems like heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage if left untreated.
Symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, increased thirst, unexplained weight loss, and persistent fatigue.
Roughage, or fiber, is important in the diet because it aids in digestion by adding bulk to stool, which helps in regular bowel movements and prevents constipation. It also helps in maintaining a healthy digestive system.
Lifestyle diseases are conditions often linked to a person's lifestyle choices and habits rather than infectious agents. Two examples are obesity and diabetes.
Symptoms of scurvy include bleeding gums, general fatigue, and joint pain. It can also lead to poor wound healing.
Water is essential for all bodily functions. It transports nutrients, regulates body temperature, lubricates joints, and helps in the removal of waste products from the body.
Obesity is considered a health risk because excessive body fat accumulation significantly increases the risk of developing various serious health problems, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and certain types of cancer.
Symptoms of beriberi include general weakness, nerve damage (leading to tingling or numbness), and in severe cases, heart problems.
Probiotics are live microorganisms, primarily bacteria, that provide health benefits when consumed, especially for the digestive system. Their benefits include improving gut health, enhancing nutrient absorption, and boosting overall immunity.
Symptoms of goitre include a noticeable swelling of the thyroid gland in the neck. This swelling can sometimes lead to difficulty swallowing or breathing.
Proteins are crucial in the diet because they are essential for the growth and repair of body tissues. They also play a vital role in building muscles, and producing enzymes and hormones necessary for various bodily functions.
Iron deficiency leads to anaemia. The effects include weakness, persistent fatigue, pale skin, and shortness of breath due to the reduced ability of blood to carry oxygen.
Four harmful effects of food adulteration are: causing health problems (from mild digestive issues to severe poisoning), long-term diseases, loss of nutritional value in food, and economic fraud.
Including fruits and vegetables in the diet is beneficial because they are rich sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They boost immunity, aid digestion, and help protect against various chronic diseases.
Symptoms of severe malnutrition include severe wasting of muscles and fat (marasmus), stunted growth, swelling (edema), and changes in hair and skin (kwashiorkor).
Vitamins play a crucial role in maintaining health by supporting various bodily functions. They are essential for growth, proper metabolism, immune system function, and preventing a wide range of deficiency diseases.

Section D: Long Answer Questions (3 Marks each) - Answers

A balanced diet is one that provides all the essential nutrients in the right amounts to maintain good health, growth, and proper functioning of the body. Its components include:
- Carbohydrates: Provide energy (e.g., rice, bread).
- Fats: Provide concentrated energy, insulation, and protect organs (e.g., butter, nuts).
- Proteins: Essential for growth, tissue repair, and muscle building (e.g., pulses, eggs).
- Vitamins: Needed for various body functions and disease prevention (e.g., fruits, vegetables).
- Minerals: Essential for bones, teeth, and blood formation (e.g., milk, green leafy vegetables).
- Water: Transports nutrients and regulates body temperature.
- Roughage (Fiber): Aids digestion and prevents constipation (e.g., whole grains).
Kwashiorkor is a severe form of malnutrition caused by a chronic deficiency of protein, even when calorie intake might be adequate. It primarily affects children in developing countries. Its characteristic symptoms include generalized swelling (edema), particularly in the legs and face, a distended abdomen (pot belly), stunted growth, and changes in hair color and texture. The population most affected are young children, typically after weaning, when their diet lacks sufficient protein.
Food adulteration is the deliberate act of debasing the quality of food by adding inferior, cheaper, or harmful substances, or by removing valuable components. Its harmful effects on health can range from mild digestive issues and allergic reactions to severe poisoning, organ damage, and long-term chronic diseases like cancer. Measures to prevent it include strict food safety regulations, regular inspections by authorities, consumer awareness campaigns, and promoting ethical practices among food producers.
Deficiency diseases are caused by the prolonged lack of specific essential nutrients in the diet. They are often reversible with proper nutritional intervention. Examples include:
- Kwashiorkor: Caused by protein deficiency.
- Anaemia: Caused by iron deficiency.
- Rickets: Caused by Vitamin D deficiency. Lifestyle diseases, on the other hand, are primarily linked to a person's daily habits, diet, and physical activity levels. They often develop over time and are typically non-communicable. Examples include:
- Obesity: Caused by excessive calorie intake and lack of exercise.
- Diabetes: Often linked to high sugar/calorie diets and sedentary lifestyle.
- Hypertension: Can be caused by high sodium intake, stress, and lack of physical activity.
Sprouted foods (e.g., sprouted moong) and fermented foods (e.g., yogurt, idli) are important in our diet due to their enhanced nutritional value and health benefits. Sprouting increases the bioavailability of vitamins and minerals, makes proteins more digestible, and reduces anti-nutrients. Fermentation introduces beneficial microorganisms (probiotics) that improve gut health, enhance nutrient absorption, and boost the immune system. Both processes break down complex compounds, making the food easier to digest and more nutritious.
Anaemia is a condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin, leading to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. It is most commonly caused by iron deficiency, as iron is crucial for hemoglobin production. Symptoms include persistent weakness, fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Prevention involves consuming iron-rich foods (e.g., leafy greens, meat, fortified cereals) and Vitamin C to aid iron absorption. Groups most at risk include pregnant women, young children, and individuals with chronic blood loss.
Lifestyle diseases are non-communicable diseases whose prevalence is largely influenced by daily habits, diet, and physical activity. Diabetes (specifically Type 2) is a prime example. It is characterized by the body's inability to effectively regulate blood sugar, often due to insulin resistance. Its causes are strongly linked to a sedentary lifestyle, high intake of sugary and processed foods, and obesity. Symptoms include frequent urination, increased thirst, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. Prevention methods involve maintaining a healthy weight, regular physical activity, and a balanced diet low in refined sugars and unhealthy fats.
Regular consumption of junk food has numerous harmful effects on health. Being high in calories, unhealthy fats, sugar, and salt, it primarily contributes to weight gain and obesity. Its lack of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber leads to nutrient deficiencies. This poor nutritional profile significantly increases the risk of developing lifestyle diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. Furthermore, the high sugar content promotes dental problems like tooth decay, and its low fiber content can cause digestive issues like constipation.
Rickets is a bone disease that affects children, characterized by soft and weak bones. It is primarily caused by a severe deficiency of Vitamin D, which is essential for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, crucial minerals for bone development. Symptoms include bowed legs, delayed growth, bone pain, and muscle weakness. Children are more susceptible because their bones are still growing rapidly, and inadequate Vitamin D during this critical period directly impairs proper bone mineralization, leading to deformities. Prevention involves adequate sunlight exposure and Vitamin D-rich foods or supplements.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. It is often called a 'silent killer' because it typically has no obvious symptoms in its early stages, allowing it to cause significant damage to the body without the individual being aware. Its long-term effects are severe and include increased risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, heart failure, and vision loss. Regular monitoring and lifestyle changes are crucial for management and prevention of these serious complications.
Vitamins are organic compounds required in small quantities for various metabolic processes, growth, and overall health maintenance. They play a crucial role in boosting immunity, aiding energy production, and protecting cells.
- Night Blindness: Caused by Vitamin A deficiency. Symptoms include difficulty seeing in dim light.
- Scurvy: Caused by Vitamin C deficiency. Symptoms include bleeding gums, fatigue, and poor wound healing.
- Rickets: Caused by Vitamin D deficiency. Symptoms include soft and weak bones, leading to deformities like bowed legs.
Water is indispensable for almost all bodily functions. It acts as a solvent, transporting nutrients to cells and waste products away from them. It regulates body temperature through sweating, lubricates joints, and protects organs and tissues. When the body doesn't get enough water, it leads to dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration include thirst, dry mouth, fatigue, reduced urination, and dizziness. Severe dehydration can impair kidney function, lead to heatstroke, and in extreme cases, be life-threatening as vital bodily processes cannot function correctly.
Probiotics are live microorganisms, primarily beneficial bacteria and yeasts, that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. They are crucial for digestive health by maintaining a balanced gut microbiome, aiding in nutrient absorption, and preventing the growth of harmful bacteria. They also significantly boost overall immunity by strengthening the gut barrier and modulating immune responses. Examples of probiotic foods include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi.
Obesity is a complex lifestyle disease characterized by excessive accumulation of body fat that poses a risk to health. Its primary causes include a chronic imbalance between calorie intake and expenditure, often due to consuming high-calorie, processed foods and leading a sedentary lifestyle. Genetic predispositions and environmental factors also play a role. Health risks associated with obesity are extensive, including increased susceptibility to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, certain cancers, and joint problems. Prevention strategies focus on adopting a balanced diet rich in whole foods, engaging in regular physical activity, and practicing portion control.
Minerals are inorganic nutrients essential for various bodily functions, including building strong bones and teeth, maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and blood formation.
- Iron deficiency leads to anaemia, characterized by weakness, fatigue, and pale skin due to insufficient hemoglobin production. Iron is vital for oxygen transport in the blood.
- Iodine deficiency causes goitre, a swelling of the thyroid gland in the neck. Iodine is crucial for the thyroid gland to produce hormones that regulate metabolism and growth. Both deficiencies can have significant impacts on overall health and development.

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