Psychological, Social and Economic aspects of food in relation to health:

Social and psychological factors determine the acceptability of a particular dietary pattern and foods included, we might suggest a nutritious diet for a person but it might not be acceptable to him because of the social and cultural reasons. Further economic considerations determine whether certain foods are available and affordable.

For example Hindu vedic tradition emphasizes food as the life-giver. It attributes specific qualities to specific foods. Example satvic foods increase intellectual capacity, creativity etc. Milk and milk products are prominent satvic foods. Rajas foods stimulate passion include fish, eggs meat etc. In contrast to the above views we no longer believe food will evoke certain behavioural pattern. Thus tolerance and adaptability to varied eating habits is a healthy sign of progress.

The psychology of eating:

Example A: Minnie is a housewife who believes is consuming vitamins for a healthy living but her friend suggests the same vitamins can be supplied by ordinary foods consumed which Minnie does not agree.

Example B: Raj, a five year old kid loves to watch television. He watches numerous advertisements for foods like instant noodles, soft drinks, candies, ice creams every single day which annoys his mother because he wants her to purchase the foods he sees on television. His mother tries to convince him that it’s not good for health.

Example C:  Sarla who just gave birth to a baby is insisted by her mother in law to consume till ladoos, garlic and ghee to stimulate breast milk.

The importance of people’s attitudes to food determines the types of food they select and the quantities they eat. Many factors influence our choice of food such as ads, other people around you etc and our reaction to those determine both what we eat and how much we eat.

Thus our individual reactions to food and the people around us can have a significant psychological influence on our eating pattern.

Economics of food:

Food costs money and it must be within the reach of people and equally distributed to all sections of population. The availability of food and its proper distribution are of great importance. Meeting the needs of people who do not have the money to purchase adequate food is a challenge.

Relationship between nutrition and health:

Nutritional status of the individual is the condition of health of an individual as influenced by the utilization of nutrients. It is determined by the kind of food consumed, what type of illness the person suffered or is suffering from including any observable signs of ill health, and the level of nutrients in the blood and urine.

Nutrition is closely interlinked with health. If the person eat right amount of food in the right quantity he or she will remain in good health. The food should not only be nutritious but must be wholesome, clean and free from harmful chemicals and germs.

Malnutrition- Mal nutrition is an impairment of resulting from a deficiency, excess or imbalance of nutrients. It refers to both under nutrition and over nutrition. Under nutrition means a deficiency or lack of one or more nutrients, eg lack of vitamin C leads to bleeding gums or scurvy. Over nutrition means excess of one or more nutrients leading to over- weight or obesity. When a person takes in more energy than he is able to spend on his daily activities he accumulates fat in the body and his weight increases.

Thus nutrition and health are intimately linked. Good health cannot be achieved without eating proper kinds of foods in the amount needed.