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| Components of Food |
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| The components of food are certain organic substances and minerals found in food. They are called nutrients. Nutrients provide the body with energy and enable it to grow, repair and maintain itself. Hence it is important that we understand the exact role of nutrients in our food and recognize the various foods that provide these nutrients. |
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| There are almost 40 essential nutrients of which carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, roughage and water are the most important. |
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| Foods can be grouped on the basis of the nutrients contained in them and their functions in the body. Based on their functions they can be divided into three groups |
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 Energy giving foods |
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 Body building foods |
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 Protective foods |
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| Balanced diet |
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| Energy is required by the body to do work and to perform all the physiological functions of the body. Carbohydrates like rice wheat, potato and fats like ghee and oil belong to this group. |
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| Our body needs to grow. Due to constant wear and tear in the body, new cells have to be built to repair the damaged parts. Proteins like milk, eggs, meat, cheese and dal help in body building. |
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| Vitamins and minerals belong to this group. Absence of these constituents cause deficiency diseases like rickets, beriberi etc. Vegetables and fruit are rich in vitamins and minerals. |
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| Table 2. Shows the three food groups and their sources |
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Food, Nutrition and Health
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