NCERT Class 11 Home Science Human Ecology and Family Sciences Part I: Chapter 7 — Nutrition, Health and Hygiene
This chapter, "Concerns and Needs in Diverse Contexts," from NCERT Class 11 Home Science, Human Ecology and Family Sciences Part I, delves into the multifaceted aspects of an adolescent's life within various social settings. It specifically addresses crucial areas such as nutrition, health, hygiene, work, resources, education, and textile traditions. The section on Nutrition, Health, and Hygiene emphasizes the importance of health as a fundamental human right, defining it according to the WHO as a state of complete mental, physical, and social well-being. It explores the intricate relationship between nutrition and health, the consequences of both undernutrition and overnutrition, and the significance of hygiene and sanitation in preventing diseases, particularly food-borne illnesses. The chapter aims to equip learners with the knowledge to make informed choices for a good quality of life and overall well-being.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | Home Science |
| Book | Human Ecology and Family Sciences Part I |
| Chapter | Chapter 7 — Nutrition, Health and Hygiene |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 309 |
Learning outcomes
- Discuss the importance of health and its various dimensions.
- Understand the interrelationship between nutrition and health.
- Identify the consequences of undernutrition and overnutrition.
- Select appropriate and healthy food choices.
- Explain the importance of hygiene and sanitation for preventing diseases.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Well-being | The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy. |
| Adequate | Sufficient; enough. |
| Lifestyle | The way of living of particular individuals or social groups. |
| Well-being | The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy. |
| Disease | An illness, injury, or condition that disrupts normal body function. |
| Undernutrition | Lack of sufficient nutrients in the body. |
| Overnutrition | Excessive intake of nutrients, leading to health problems. |
| Hygiene | Practices conducive to maintaining health and preventing disease, especially through cleanliness. |
| Sanitation | The provision and maintenance of public health conditions, especially the supply of clean water and disposal of waste. |
| Food-borne diseases | Illnesses caused by consuming contaminated food. |
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Practice questions
- What is the WHO's definition of health? Answer: The WHO defines health as a state of complete mental, physical, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease.
- Why is health considered a fundamental human right? Answer: Health is considered a fundamental human right because everyone, regardless of age, gender, caste, creed, place of stay, or nationality, deserves to live a healthy life.
- What are the two main nutritional issues discussed in the chapter? Answer: The two main nutritional issues discussed are undernutrition and overnutrition.
- What is the role of hygiene and sanitation in preventing diseases? Answer: Hygiene and sanitation are crucial for preventing diseases, especially food-borne diseases, by maintaining cleanliness and proper waste disposal.
Practice MCQs
Q1. According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), what right is everyone entitled to?
Explanation: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for their health and well-being.
Q2. Which organization defines health as 'a state of complete mental, physical and social well-being'?
Explanation: The World Health Organization (WHO) provides this comprehensive definition of health.
Q3. What does 'disease' mean in the context of health?
Explanation: Disease is defined as an impairment of body health or disruption in the function of some part or organ of the body.
Q4. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a factor affecting health in the introduction?
Explanation: While genetics can play a role, the text specifically mentions environmental conditions and lifestyles as factors affecting health.
Q5. What is a key objective related to nutrition and health in this section?
Explanation: A learning objective is to identify the consequences of both undernutrition and overnutrition.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main focus of Unit II of the textbook?
Unit II focuses on understanding the family, community, and society that an individual is a part of.
What specific concerns are discussed in Chapter 7?
Chapter 7 discusses concerns and needs such as health, work, resources, education, and textile traditions in diverse social contexts.
What is the WHO's definition of health?
The WHO defines health as a state of complete mental, physical, and social well-being, not just the absence of disease.
What are the potential negative outcomes of nutrition discussed in the chapter?
The chapter discusses the consequences of both undernutrition (lack of nutrients) and overnutrition (excess nutrients).
Why is hygiene and sanitation important according to the chapter?
Hygiene and sanitation are important for preventing diseases, particularly food-borne diseases, by maintaining cleanliness and proper waste disposal.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 11 Home Science — Human Ecology and Family Sciences Part I — Chapter 7 — Nutrition, Health and Hygiene. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.