by Ms Poonam Kansliwal, Department of Chemistry 

“I know what I should eat for a good health,” should be our motto in life to stay healthy!

Whenever we hear about healthy food habits, we often give such statements. Knowing what is good for health is the first step, but not the only step towards our health. In the present-day scenario, we see a number of people losing their lives all over the world because of the Covid-19 pandemic and certainly, it is not good news!

On the other hand, I see people have become more aware about healthy eating habits. Now, we have realized the importance of fresh, hygienic and home-cooked food. We acknowledge the fact that what we consume in our diet is the foremost priority in our life. Now, if we understand the chemistry of our body and food then we know what is good for our health. Our body is made up of four main biochemical compounds – carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. They have different structures and functions. These make the cells and tissues of our body. So, whatever we eat affects these biochemicals.

Let me give one example to make it clear. When we drink water, which is made up of hydrogen and oxygen, it gets absorbed by our body and becomes a part of these biomolecules. This is how the chemistry of our body changes. Our life depends on these biochemical reactions, which are constantly happening inside each cell of our body. In this world of consumerism, we have a large variety of choices for packaged, instant, and fast foods, which are easily available, but this is the time, where we need to inculcate habits of the right choice of food.

That is why, I feel, that Covid-19 has made us think, rather, it has taught us what to eat and what not to eat in order to stay healthy.