Being healthy is the state of having good health and also to be well, strong and to be able to resist disease (Oxford Student's Dictionary, 1996). Health is also being defined as a state of complete physical, mental, spiritual and social well being, and not merely the absence of disease (Personal Interview, 20002). Incorporated into this definition is the concept of personal satisfaction with achievements and relationships and the ability to cope with and relate appropriately to the environment.

Patterns of health in the community and the measures undertaken by authorities to influence these have changed throughout the ages, as have attitudes and beliefs (Home Doctor, 1995).

Hippocrates, the 'father of medicine', was one of the first to document the state of health and disease systematically. At the time, most people believed that loss of health was caused by evil spirits or by the anger of gods. Nevertheless, surgery, though crude and simple by modern standards, and medications derived from plants and herbs, were regularly used. About 3000 B.C. the ancient Greeks had a pharmaceutical list containing over 700 medicinal recipes, which were claimed to cure co

With people being more health conscious, the food, which they choose to eat, will also be healthy. Nowadays, people rather consume food such as Soya based products and organic vegetables due to its nutritional value (Personal Survey, 2002). According to personal survey, about 58% of the people consume Soya based products and organic vegetables due to its nutritional value.

Colouring matter is added by manufacturers to food and drink in order to make them look more attractive and prolong their shelf life (Home Doctor, 1995). It has been postulated by some relevant authorities that these colouring matters causes hyperactivity as they are not metabolized but accumulated in the tissues. A reduced attention span, inattention and continual uncontrolled fidgeting and movement manifest hyperactivity.

Monosodium glutamate is the most widely known of the so-called 'modern additives' (Home Doctor, 1995). Although no harmful effects have been recorded on persons eating food containing monosodium glutamate in normal amounts, though some susceptible persons do suffer unpleasant effects such as developing headache, flushed face, abdominal pain and diarrhoea after consuming food containing monosodium glutamate.

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Approximate Word count = 2900
Approximate Pages = 12 (250 words per page double spaced)