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UNIT 19 - NUTRITIONAL HEALTH TASK 1
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This assignment is task 1 for unit 19 nutritional health. My work has been graded at distinction level.
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Unit 19: Nutritional HealthTask 1 -
In this report I will be explaining how the concept of nutritional health contributes to health and
wellbeing alongside studying two individuals called Zainab and Nicole. Zainab is in early adulthood
whereas Nicole is in later adulthood and therefore they both have different nutritional needs.
P1: Explain how the concepts of nutritional health contribute to health and wellbeing.
Nutritional health is defined as consuming a nutritious and well-balanced diet that includes a range
of foods that provide your body with the nutrients it requires. The nutrients aid in the maintenance
of health and weight, as well as reducing the risk of chronic illness and providing energy to the body.
Protein, carbs, fat, vitamins, minerals, water, and fibre are the most important nutrients, and they're
all on the Eat well plate. Calcium, iron, and sodium are all important minerals. The eat well plate is a
tool that the government uses to establish its recommendations. It depicts the amounts in which
different food categories must be consumed in order to maintain a well-balanced and nutritious diet
over the course of a day or longer. The eat well advice is appropriate for the majority of individuals,
however it excludes children under the age of two, as well as individuals with unique dietary needs
or medical problems. The eat well guide divides the meals we eat and drink into five primary groups,
with a variety of foods from each category being crucial. This is due to the fact that various meals
contain different nutrients that the body need in order to be healthy and perform effectively. The
guidance defines the quantities of five food types that we should consume. For example, starchy
carbohydrate meals like potatoes, bread, and rice should account for 38 % of a person's diet. It also
specifies that a healthy diet should include 40% fruits and vegetables, 8% dairy and alternatives, 12%
protein (beans, fish, eggs, and so on), and 1% oils and spreads.
More carbs, fruits and vegetables, and less of the other food categories are crucial because without
them, a person may not obtain enough nutrients to function properly, which is known as
malnutrition. Not eating a well-balanced diet can lead to undernutrition, which is defined as a lack of
calories or nutrients caused by insufficient food intake or an inability to absorb nutrients from the
diet due to a medical condition. A nutrient shortage occurs when the body does not have enough of
a certain nutrient, which can be caused by a lack of the nutrient in the food or a health condition
that prevents the body from absorbing it. Having too many carbohydrates can lead to obesity, which
is a condition that damages one's health due to excessive fat storage. It would be harmful to
someone's health if they did not eat a well-balanced diet. It means that a person's body isn't getting
enough nutrients to operate properly, which can affect their everyday health and limit their ability to
live a fulfilling and active life. In the short term, poor nutrition has been shown to contribute to
stress, fatigue, and work capacity. In the long run, it may increase the risk of developing diseases like
obesity, heart disease, osteoporosis, and certain cancers.
P2: Explain the sources of essential nutrients and their functions in the body.
Carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water are all sources of vital nutrients.
Carbohydrates are divided into two types: simple and complex, and they may be found in meals like
bread, spaghetti, veggie burgers, and porridge. Carbohydrates are the body's major energy source
and the brain's preferred source of energy. Having too many may cause blood sugar levels to rise,
which can lead to additional health problems such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and obesity. A
shortage of carbohydrates in a person's diet can cause hyperglycaemia, which is a sharp drop in
blood sugar levels that causes feelings of hunger.
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, Protein is present in foods like yoghurt, beans, poultry, and prawns, and it aids in the repair and
growth of body tissues. They also aid metabolism by acting as carriers/hormones and enzymes, as
well as providing structural support to the organism. Too much protein can create kidney troubles
around the hip, which can lead to symptoms like bad breath and digestive issues over time. Too little
protein can make a person feel weak all of the time owing to a lack of strength and the inability to
maintain proper balance. Because there isn't enough oxygen in the body, a lack of protein might
make a person feel tired.
Trans, unsaturated, and saturated fats are present in savoury and sweet foods such as butter,
chocolate, and sweets. It is a body fuel source that keeps the body warm. A modest quantity of fat
meals is anticipated since it leads to healthy diets and excellent health, which has great effects on
one's well-being and quality of life. Too much fat in the blood can lead to high levels of harmful LDL
cholesterol, which increases the risk of developing heart disease and stroke. Hair loss, poor immune
signs, and extremely dry rashes can all result from having too little.
Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, D, E, and K are eight types of vitamins that may be found in dark green
vegetables like broccoli and spinach. Vitamins aid in the prevention of illnesses and infections, as
well as the maintenance of healthy nerves. They can also supply a lot of energy and ensure that
blood clotting is done effectively. Too many vitamins can cause visual problems, nausea, dizziness,
and migraines. Vitamin deficiencies can raise the risk of chronic disease, heart disease, osteoporosis,
and other illnesses.
Calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, sodium, magnesium, and phosphorus are seven types of minerals that
may be found in foods such as nuts, fruits, and vegetables such as tomatoes and cabbage. They
ensure that the bones, heart, and muscles are in efficient working order, as well as providing
structural support to keep them strong and healthy. Side effects such as nausea, diarrhoea, and
stomach cramps might occur if you consume too many minerals. Mineral deficiencies can cause a
variety of health issues, including weak bones, lethargy, and a weakened immune system.
Water is a vital nutrient it keeps every cell in the body healthy and intact, keeps the bloodstream
liquid enough to pass through blood vessels, and aids in the elimination of metabolic waste, excess
electrolytes, and urea. It also transports nutrients and oxygen to cells, as well as controlling body
temperature through sweating. A lack of hydration from water causes more toxins to accumulate in
the bloodstream.
P3: Explain the health, socio-economic and cultural factors that can influence the nutritional
health of the selected individuals
Zainab has type 1 diabetes, which makes it difficult for her to control her blood sugar levels. When
the body's immune system wrongly kills insulin-producing cells, type 1 diabetes develops. This
implies that she has to have a well-balanced diet to ensure that her body gets enough nutrients to
function properly and that she eats healthier foods. Because her blood glucose levels are already too
high, she must avoid specific meals including sweets, crisps, and anything with added sugar. Zainab
will also need to take daily insulin injections to keep her blood glucose levels in check, as well as
work with a nutritionist to develop a meal plan that meets her nutritional needs. This might mean
Zainab has to keep track of how many carbohydrates she eats and match them to her insulin dosage.
If she can't control her diabetes, she'll be more likely to get coronary heart disease, which causes
chest discomfort, heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure. Damage to the big blood vessels of
the heart, brain, and legs, as well as the minor blood vessels that cause issues in the eyes, kidneys,
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