Poshan Kya Hai? — पोषण क्या है?
Poshan (पोषण) means nutrition — the science of how our body takes in food, breaks it down, and uses it for energy, growth, and repair. The word "poshan" comes from Sanskrit and literally means "that which nourishes."
In simple terms: jab hum khaana khaate hain, aur wo khaana hamare shareer ko taqat, vikas aur sehat deta hai — usi ko poshan kehte hain. (When we eat food and it gives our body strength, growth, and health — that is poshan.)
📖 Simple Definition: "Poshan woh prakriya hai jisme hamare shareer ko bhojan se zaruri tatva milte hain jo hamare vikas, swasthya aur urja ke liye zaroori hain."
Poshan Ke Prakar — पोषण के प्रकार
There are two broad types of nutrition (poshan ke prakar):
Bacchon Ke Liye Poshan Kyun Zaroori Hai?
Children's bodies grow fastest in the first 1,000 days of life (from conception to age 2). During this period, poor poshan can cause permanent damage to the brain, immune system, and physical growth. This is why monitoring poshan is critical.
- Good poshan helps children reach their full height potential (stunting prevention)
- Adequate iron and protein support brain development and school performance
- Vitamins A and C boost immunity and reduce infections
- Calcium and Vitamin D build strong bones and teeth
- Proper weight gain protects against wasting and underweight
Poshan Ki Kami Ke Nuksan — कुपोषण के नुकसान
When a child does not get adequate poshan, it leads to kuposhna (malnutrition). The three main indicators tracked by WHO and the Indian government are:
- Stunting — height too low for age (height-for-age below -2 SD)
- Wasting — weight too low for height (acute malnutrition)
- Underweight — weight too low for age
💡 You can check your child's stunting, wasting, and underweight status right now using our free Poshan Tracker Calculator — based on WHO standards.
Achhe Poshan Ke Liye Kya Karein?
Here are practical steps every parent can take to ensure good poshan for their child:
- Breastfeed exclusively for the first 6 months
- Introduce complementary foods at 6 months — include dal, khichdi, mashed vegetables
- Give a rainbow of fruits and vegetables every day
- Ensure adequate protein: eggs, dal, paneer, fish, chicken
- Avoid excess sugar, packaged snacks, and junk food
- Give iron-rich foods: spinach, jaggery, ragi, beans
- Regular checkups at Anganwadi or health centres
Conclusion — निष्कर्ष
Poshan kya hai — is sawaal ka jawab hai ki yeh ek zaruri prakriya hai jo hamare bacchon ke shareerik aur mansik vikas ko niyantrit karti hai. Sahi poshan se hi ek swasth, pratibhashali aur khush baccha banta hai.
Use our Poshan Tracker Calculator to assess your child's growth against WHO standards, and take action early if any issue is detected.