Nutrition is a process whereby food substances are taken in the body for growth and maintenance. Major food categories include carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Malnutrition is the opposite of nutrition and occurs when the body is not deriving enough nutrients from the food intake. Implicated conditions include but not limited to inadequate or unbalanced diet, digestive difficulties, absorption problems, and other medical challenges. Berger, (2009).
The importance of good nutrition in the developmental milestone of children cannot be overemphasized. Good nutrition is important for the bones, muscles and brain. Eating proper and balanced diet will help the individual to properly develop completely-mentally, physically, emotionally, socially, psychologically and cognitively. Healthy diet help children to grow and learn properly and as a result helps prevent overweight and help the children maintain their weight within acceptable ranges. www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/childnutrition.html
In developing and undeveloped countries e for example Nigeria
Based on what I know and see happening in Nigeria and U.S.A. , I now have the urge to arrange and redirect the surplus nutritious food items from the U.S.A. to the poor and hungry people in Nigeria U.S.A.
References:
Child nutrition: Medline plus
Berger, K.S. (2009). The Developing Person through Childhood. New York
Chika,
ReplyDeleteI agree that we should use the surplus of food in the US to support countries in extreme poverty. I have heard more and more of restaurants donating leftover food to food banks and homeless shelters at the end of each day. We are so fortunate in the United States that we offer programs for people in poverty to provide food for these families. From what I have witnessed through teaching, friends and family that have used these programs, it doesn't seem to be very difficult to qualify for. I am sure that struggling families don't necessarily qualify, but I would think that families in severe need would have no trouble.
Unfortunately, I don't believe that other countries in high poverty areas have these much needed programs. I wish there was something that other countries like the United States could do to help. I am not sure what the solutions are; however, nutrition is so important to development and health that something needs to be done.
Chika,
ReplyDeleteI agree nutrition is very important for the young child's development pertaining to his or her physical, emotional and cognitive development.