Home Economics and Health Studies Lecture Notes

Key vocabulary terms and definitions covering nutrition, food technology, addictive behaviours, consumer awareness, textiles, and design.

Kwashiorkor

A condition caused by an extreme lack of protein foods in the diet, characterized by a swollen abdomen and a reddish discoloration of the hair and skin.

Haemorrhoids

Swelling inside the intestines caused by severe cases of constipation resulting from a deficiency of dietary fibre.

Food Spoilage

An unwanted change in the edible quality of food—such as changes in smell, colour, size, texture, and taste—that makes it unfit for consumption.

Enzymes

Special proteins present in foods that speed up chemical reactions, causing natural decay processes like ripening and browning.

Microorganisms

Tiny living cells that cannot be seen with the human eye, which grow and reproduce on food and release waste products that damage food quality.

Food Contamination

The presence of harmful microorganisms, harmful chemicals, or foreign objects in food, making it unfit for consumption.

Food Poisoning

An illness that occurs when a person consumes food or drinks water contaminated by harmful chemical substances or pathogenic bacteria.

Pathogens

Microorganisms that enter the body and spread communicable diseases to a healthy person.

Addictive Behaviour

A dependence on substances (such as alcohol, nicotine, or drugs) or activities that continues despite resulting physical or mental harm.

Drug

Any substance that alters normal metabolism in any part of the body, taken to cure or prevent diseases, or to enhance mental or physical performance.

Right to Safety

The consumer right to be protected against goods and services that are harmful to life.

Right to Redress

The consumer right to receive money refunded or to have defective goods replaced.

Elasticity

The performance characteristic of a textile fibre describing its ability to stretch and recover to its original shape and size.

Absorbency

The performance characteristic of a textile fibre describing its ability to retain moisture or liquids.

Crease-Resistant

The performance characteristic describing the ability of a textile fibre or fabric to withstand creasing.

Texture

The appearance and surface feel (such as soft, smooth, or rough) of a fabric.

Accessories

Additional functional or decorative items worn with clothing to complement, match, or contrast an outfit and express personal style.

Chain Stitches

Embroidery stitches that form a connected series of loops resembling a chain-like pattern, creating thick textured lines on fabric.