Nutrition Related Diseases Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Nutrition Related Diseases - Essay Example The presence of these nutrients in the adequate amounts is essential for proper functioning of the body. Mudambi (2007) lists out the major nutrients as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals. Each of these nutrients performs their unique function, and various processes takes place through their unified functioning (p. 4). Each group of these nutrients altogether constitute over 40 essential nutrients which again produce over thousands of other substances that are essential for various body processes. As Ridgwell (1996) describes, among the various nutrients, carbohydrates and fats provide us with energy; proteins are used for growth and repair, vitamins and minerals help to protect our body and are also needed for maintenance. A diet can be considered as a balanced diet if it includes variety of healthy foods which supplements all the nutrients in the right proportion. Due to unhealthy eating habits world is now witnessing a rise in food borne illnesses and diet relate d disorders like obesity, diabetes, cancer, hypertension and heart diseases. Food borne illnesses are caused due to the consumption of contaminated food infected by microorganisms like bacteria, viruses or parasites or due to some chemicals in the food (NDDIC). Person suffering gets infections or irritations in gastrointestinal tract which result in symptoms like vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea and fever. Food borne illnesses can affect a person suddenly after eating contaminated food. If food is highly contaminated, food borne illnesses may become severe which can even lead to death. Thus if a person is severely affected with food borne illnesses, immediate medical attention should be provided. The people who are most susceptible to food borne illnesses include infants, pregnant women, elderly persons or individuals with weak immune system. Thus extra care should be given for keeping food safe for people belonging to this risky category. Nutrient