CFTRI M.Sc. (Food Technology) General Awareness on health & wellness Syllabus

What is the normal fasting blood glucose range, and the diabetic threshold?

Normal fasting glucose is 70-100 mg/dL; diabetes is diagnosed at fasting glucose >=126 mg/dL.

What is hypertension and the threshold blood pressure value?

Hypertension is persistently high blood pressure, generally defined as >=140/90 mmHg (or >=130/80 by some guidelines).

What does HDL vs LDL cholesterol mean for health?

HDL is 'good' cholesterol that removes cholesterol from arteries; LDL is 'bad' cholesterol that deposits in arteries, raising heart disease risk.

What are probiotics?

Live beneficial microorganisms (e.g., Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium) that confer health benefits to the gut when consumed in adequate amounts.

What are prebiotics?

Non-digestible food components (e.g., inulin, fibre) that nourish beneficial gut bacteria.

What is a balanced diet?

A diet providing all nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, water, fibre) in correct proportions to meet the body's needs.

What are antioxidants and why are they important?

Compounds (e.g., vitamins C, E, beta-carotene) that neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and cell damage.

What are the components of physical fitness?

Cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition.

How much physical activity does WHO recommend weekly for adults?

At least 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity, or 75-150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week.

What is the recommended daily water intake for adults (general guideline)?

About 2-3 litres per day (roughly 8 glasses), varying with climate, activity, and body size.

What is mental health?

A state of well-being in which a person realizes their abilities, copes with normal stresses, works productively, and contributes to community.

Name common lifestyle risk factors for non-communicable diseases.

Tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, harmful alcohol use, and stress.

What is BMR's main difference from RMR?

BMR is measured under strict fasting/rest/thermoneutral conditions; RMR (resting metabolic rate) is measured under less strict conditions and is slightly higher.

What is the function of insulin?

Insulin lowers blood glucose by promoting cellular uptake of glucose and storage as glycogen and fat.

What is osteoporosis and key nutrients for prevention?

A disease of weakened, porous bones; prevention relies on adequate calcium, vitamin D, and weight-bearing exercise.

What is the glycaemic index (GI)?

A ranking of carbohydrate foods by how quickly they raise blood glucose compared with a reference (glucose = 100).

What are saturated vs unsaturated fats?

Saturated fats (mostly animal/solid) raise LDL cholesterol; unsaturated fats (mostly plant/liquid, including mono- and poly-unsaturated) are healthier and can lower LDL.

What are trans fats and why are they harmful?

Industrially hydrogenated unsaturated fats that raise LDL, lower HDL, and increase cardiovascular disease risk.

What are omega-3 fatty acids and a key source?

Essential polyunsaturated fats (EPA, DHA, ALA) supporting heart and brain health; sources include fatty fish, flaxseed, and walnuts.

What is immunization?

The process of making a person resistant to an infectious disease, typically by administering a vaccine.

What is the difference between active and passive immunity?

Active immunity is produced by one's own immune system after infection or vaccination (long-lasting); passive immunity is acquired by receiving antibodies from outside (short-lived), e.g., from mother to infant.

What is the role of dietary calcium?

Building and maintaining bones and teeth, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and blood clotting.

What deficiency causes pellagra and which nutrient prevents it?

Pellagra is caused by niacin (Vitamin B3) deficiency; it presents with dermatitis, diarrhoea, and dementia.

What is dehydration and an early sign?

Excessive loss of body water; early signs include thirst, dark urine, dry mouth, and fatigue.

What is the recommended daily sodium/salt intake by WHO?

Less than 5 grams of salt (about 2 grams of sodium) per day.

What is obesity's main health consequence cluster called?

Metabolic syndrome - a cluster of obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol that raises cardiovascular and diabetes risk.

What is the function of haemoglobin?

An iron-containing protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen from the lungs to tissues and carries carbon dioxide back.

What is personal hygiene and one key practice for disease prevention?

Practices that maintain cleanliness and health; handwashing with soap is a key practice to prevent infection spread.

What is the difference between primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention?

Primary prevents disease before onset (e.g., vaccination); secondary detects/treats early (e.g., screening); tertiary reduces complications of existing disease (e.g., rehabilitation).

What is the recommended amount of sleep for adults and its health role?

7-9 hours per night; adequate sleep supports immunity, metabolism, memory, and mental health.