The Community Service and Environmental Development Sector at the Faculty of Al-Alsun, Ain Shams University, organized a seminar titled "Myths and Facts About Healthy Eating: A Journey to Discover the Secrets of Balanced Nutrition in Your Daily Life." The seminar was held under the patronage of Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of the University, Prof. Ghada Farouk, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development, Prof. Salwa Rashad, Dean of the Faculty of Al-Alsun, and supervised by Prof. Yomna Safwat, Vice Dean of the Faculty for Community Service and Environmental Development. This event took place as part of the University’s Environmental Week, with a lecture delivered by Prof. Dr. Ayat Farouk Manzoor, Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, and Consultant in Preventive Medicine and Therapeutic Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University.

Prof. Yomna Safwat, Vice Dean of the Faculty for Community Service and Environmental Development, opened the seminar, emphasizing that healthy nutrition means consuming food to meet the body’s nutritional needs. Adequate food is essential for maintaining life, and good nutrition is crucial for good health. She pointed out that poor nutrition can lead to weakened immunity, increased susceptibility to diseases, physical and mental growth disruptions, and a decline in productivity. This is especially important for university students who need to maintain their health and achieve the highest levels of concentration to meet sustainable development goals after graduation, as they possess educational knowledge that can contribute to national development.

Prof. Ayat Farouk then discussed the concept of healthy nutrition, which involves consuming a variety of foods containing the nutrients needed by the body to maintain health, feel comfortable, and have energy. These nutrients include proteins, carbohydrates, fats, water, vitamins, and minerals. Proper nutrition is vital for all segments of society, as healthy food is an excellent means to maintain physical strength and health, especially when combined with sufficient physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight.

She continued by explaining the characteristics of a balanced diet, which should include all the necessary nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and water, and the food should be adequate, meaning it should meet the students’ needs and energy expenditure. She also highlighted the importance of breakfast, noting that university students are in dire need of a daily breakfast, as they often do not consume nutritious foods during the day. Breakfast should not be neglected, particularly during the early stages of life, which involve increased physical and mental growth that requires more nutritional intake. The benefits of breakfast include improving focus and comprehension, which enhances academic performance, providing the body with the necessary energy for physical activity, and helping to maintain a healthy weight by preventing overeating throughout the day.

Prof. Farouk Manzoor also addressed that a healthy diet is the best alternative to weight loss diets, pointing out that the "Keto" diet, used by many as a weight-loss method, was originally designed for children with epilepsy. It helps them lose weight without hunger, which makes them feel happy. She stressed that a healthy diet is sufficient for safe weight loss without the risks associated with rapid weight loss and its undesirable complications.

She also emphasized that the human body is made up of 70% water, which is involved in the composition of all cells and tissues. It is essential for digestion and absorption, as well as for maintaining body temperature through sweating. Drinking adequate amounts of water daily is recommended, with the quantity varying based on body type, seasons, and the type of activity a person engages in.

In conclusion, Prof. Yomna Safwat, Vice Dean for Community Service and Environmental Development, honored Prof. Ayat Farouk Manzoor by presenting her with a certificate of appreciation for her contributions in enriching the Environmental Week at the Faculty of Al-Alsun.