Introduction
Food is necessary for all living organisms. It gives us energy, helps in growth, repairs our body, and keeps us healthy. Different food items contain different substances called nutrients. The study of these nutrients is known as the components of food.
What Are Nutrients?
Nutrients are the useful substances present in food that are needed by our body to function properly.
Main Nutrients in Food
There are five main types of nutrients:
- Carbohydrates
- Proteins
- Fats
- Vitamins
- Minerals
In addition to these, roughage and water are also important components of food.
1. Carbohydrates
- Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for our body.
- Foods rich in carbohydrates include:
- Rice
- Wheat
- Bread
- Potatoes
- Sugar
Examples: Starch and sugar
2. Proteins
- Proteins help in growth and repair of the body.
- They are called body-building foods.
- Protein-rich foods include:
- Pulses
- Milk
- Eggs
- Fish
- Meat
- Soybean
3. Fats
- Fats give us more energy than carbohydrates.
- They help keep our body warm and protect internal organs.
- Fat-rich foods include:
- Butter
- Ghee
- Oils
- Nuts
4. Vitamins
- Vitamins help protect our body from diseases and keep us healthy.
- They are needed in small amounts.
- Important vitamins include:
- Vitamin A – good for eyes
- Vitamin B – helps in energy release
- Vitamin C – helps fight diseases
- Vitamin D – helps in strong bones
Sources: Fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, sunlight
5. Minerals
- Minerals help in proper functioning of the body.
- Important minerals include:
- Calcium – strong bones and teeth
- Iron – helps in blood formation
- Iodine – proper growth
Sources: Green vegetables, milk, fruits, grains
Roughage (Dietary Fibre)
- Roughage helps in proper digestion.
- It prevents constipation.
- Found in:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
Water
- Water is essential for life.
- It helps in:
- Digestion
- Absorption of nutrients
- Removal of waste
- We should drink enough water every day.
Balanced Diet
A balanced diet is one that contains:
- All nutrients
- Roughage
- Adequate water
Eating a balanced diet helps us stay healthy and active.
Deficiency Diseases
Lack of nutrients can cause diseases called deficiency diseases.
| Nutrient | Disease |
|---|---|
| Vitamin C | Scurvy |
| Vitamin D | Rickets |
| Iron | Anaemia |
| Iodine | Goitre |
Summary
- Food contains nutrients needed by our body
- Carbohydrates and fats give energy
- Proteins help in growth
- Vitamins and minerals protect us from diseases
- Roughage and water are also essential
1. What are nutrients?
Useful substances in food needed by the body.
2. Name the main nutrients in food.
Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals.
3. Which nutrient gives energy to the body?
Carbohydrates.
4. Which nutrient is called body-building food?
Proteins.
5. Which nutrient gives more energy than carbohydrates?
Fats.
6. Name two carbohydrate-rich foods.
Rice, potato.
7. Name two protein-rich foods.
Pulses, eggs.
8. Name two fat-rich foods.
Butter, oil.
9. Which vitamin is good for eyes?
Vitamin A.
10. Which vitamin helps in strong bones?
Vitamin D.
11. Which mineral is needed for strong bones and teeth?
Calcium.
12. Which mineral is important for blood formation?
Iron.
13. What is roughage?
Dietary fibre in food.
14. Why is roughage important?
Helps in digestion.
15. What is a balanced diet?
Diet containing all nutrients in proper amounts.
16. What happens due to lack of nutrients?
Deficiency diseases occur.
17. Name the disease caused by lack of Vitamin C.
Scurvy.
18. Name the disease caused by lack of Iron.
Anaemia.
19. Name the disease caused by lack of Iodine.
Goitre.
20. Why is water important for our body?
Helps digestion and removes waste.