New Delhi, Sept. 30 --

It has been rightly said, "You are what you eat".

Whatever we consume plays a vital role in maintaining our health. Humans need a wide array of nutrients to lead an active and healthy life, and in order to get these nutrients, a proper diet is required. A well-balanced diet combined with regular exercise is a cornerstone of good health. Poor nutrition may lead to low immunity, increased susceptibility to diseases, reduced productivity and mental retardation.

Healthy dietary practices begin early in life and recent studies have suggested that lack of nutrition in the womb may set the pace for diet-related chronic diseases in later life. Mentioned below are basic dietary requirements during different stages of lif...