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| Nutrients |
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| Food contains various organic and inorganic substances. Those which are required by the organisms to carry out life functions are called nutrients. Nutrients are of various types - carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals. |
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| The various nutrients carry out different functions such as: |
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 energy production |
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synthesis of materials for growth and repair of the tissues |
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synthesis of materials necessary for carrying out and maintaining life functions |
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synthesis of materials for immune system |
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| Nutrition can be defined as the process by which an organism obtains food which is used to provide energy and materials for its life sustaining activities. |
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| Thus the term nutrition includes the means by which an organism obtains its food and also the processes by which the nutrients in the food are broken down to simpler molecules for utilisation by the body. |
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| Thus the study of the process of nutrition in various organisms gives us an idea about their nutritional requirements. This helps us in many ways like, taking care of crops, domestic animals, poultry, farm animals, etc so that we may get the best results from them. Since feeding is one of the basic requirements of any organism, the study of food habits of different organisms leads to an understanding of the interrelationships between them and helps in maintaining a balance in nature. |
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