About the Department of Food & Nutrition

The Department of Food & Nutrition, Raidighi College came into existence in the year 2007, offering both Honours and General Courses. This discipline was introduced keeping in mind its widespread applicability and utility. Food & Nutrition is a multidisciplinary science which involves food, nutrients, its metabolism within the body and its manifestation on health. A sound knowledge of Food Chemistry, Nutritional Biochemistry, Food Microbiology and Human Physiology is required for comprehending this course; and thus the syllabus is the composite of these subjects and many others as well.

This subject has got a broad spectrum of scopes and opportunities as it is linked with optimising quality of lives of people. Food &Nutrition is a young science which is taught in many schools and colleges, and so Academic field and higher education is always open for the students. They can integrate knowledge and skills gained through their studies and disseminate the information further to implement nutritional principles that will aid in making wise choices regarding food and lifestyle practices.

Malnutrition is one of the major problems that our country is facing from several decades. This subject will make students capable of assessing the nutritional status of people and thus can actively participate in malnutrition intervention programs and advocate in policy making to promote health and well being throughout the nation.

Therapeutic diet is a core component of this subject which involves modifying normal diet in diseased conditions to provide relief and to augment health. Therapeutic nutrition plays a colossal role in the prevention and treatment of degenerative diseases like cardiovascular diseases, Cancer, Diabetes Mellitus, Renal Diseases, and Obesity etc. Hospitals, Health sectors and Food industries appoint Dieticians, Nutritional Counsellors, Health Trainers where the students of Food & Nutrition can work efficiently and can contribute tremendously.

The students of this stream are also playing a key role in the area of food safety and quality control around the globe. Food Service Management, Public Health and Nutrition education are also an integral part of this subject.

We all are aware of the medicinal and curative properties of foods and nutrients. Several research areas are still unexplored in the field of this science. Newer concepts like nutraceuticals, functional foods, nutrigenomics etc. are emerging that is making this a subject of huge demand or necessity that is going to increase manifolds in future.