Food and Health — Important Questions

Iodine

Step 1: Goitre is a disease that causes a visible swelling or enlargement of a gland in the neck. Step 2: This happens when the body does not get enough iodine from the diet. Step 3: Iodine is found in iodized salt and seafood like shrimp. Step 4: Iron deficiency causes Anaemia (less haemoglobin), and calcium/phosphorus deficiency causes weak bones and teeth. Step 5: To prevent Goitre, we should use iodized salt in cooking.

It carries oxygen from lungs to all parts of the body

Step 1: Haemoglobin is a substance found in our red blood cells. Step 2: It contains iron, which is why eating iron-rich food is so important. Step 3: The main job of haemoglobin is to pick up oxygen from the lungs and deliver it to every part of the body. Step 4: When a person has less haemoglobin (due to iron deficiency), less oxygen reaches the body, causing tiredness and weakness — this condition is called Anaemia. Step 5: Digestion, energy production, and waste removal are done by other body systems, not haemoglobin.

Marasmus

Step 1: Two important protein/energy deficiency diseases are Kwashiorkor and Marasmus. Step 2: Kwashiorkor occurs due to deficiency of ONLY protein. Symptoms include swollen stomach, pale skin, and reddish hair. Step 3: Marasmus occurs due to deficiency of proteins, carbohydrates AND fats together. Symptoms include extremely thin body with visible bones, dry loose skin, and diarrhoea. Step 4: Scurvy is caused by Vitamin C deficiency and Rickets by Vitamin D deficiency — both are vitamin diseases. Step 5: So Marasmus is the answer as it involves multiple nutrient deficiencies.

Fresh fruits and milk

Step 1: Junk food is defined as food that gives lots of calories but very little nutritional value. Step 2: Potato chips, soft drinks, candy, and samosas are high in fat, sugar, and salt — they give energy (calories) but have very few vitamins, minerals, or proteins. Step 3: Fresh fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, and roughage. Milk is rich in proteins and calcium. Step 4: These are nutrient-dense foods — they give both energy AND good nutrition. Step 5: So fresh fruits and milk are healthy foods, NOT junk food.