Constituents of food
Food
Water is the essence of life. We can live longer without food than without water. Water is the carrier of other food materials.
Nutrition is essential for the maintenance of good health. Nutrition of the body means the supply of essential nutrients in proper quantity and proportions to the body. Diet is a combination of different kinds of food. No single food can give each and every nutrient required for the growth and the preservation of the health.
Materials present in the food can be classified into six groups of compounds. These groups are known as constituents of food. They are:
a) proteins
b) carbohydrates
c) fats
d) vitamins
e) minerals
f) water
Proteins are essential for the growth and repair if tissues of the body. They are also called as body building foods. Foods rich in vitamins are absolutely essential for children. Milk, cheese, meat, fish, eggs, pulses, oil –seeds and nuts are sources of proteins.
Carbohydrates give energy on which all the activities of the life are dependent. They are also known as energy yielding foods. Foods rich in carbohydrates are essential for the persons who are engaged in manual work. Rice, wheat, maize, potatoes, barley, sugar and syrups are rich in carbohydrates.
Fats are also heat and energy giving foods. The uses of fats add taste to the food and make the food palatable. A person who does a lot of physical work daily needs more fats. The sources of fats are vegetable oil, butter, ghee, olive oil ad groundnut oil.
Foods rich in vitamins and minerals are termed as protective foods. Vitamins help in keeping our eyes, bones, teeth and gums healthy. Minerals help in the formation of blood, bones and teeth. Fruits, vegetables, milk meat, eggs, fish, liver, oil and hand polished rice are sources of vitamins and minerals. They protect us against diseases.
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