Introduction
Have you ever wondered what makes up the delicious and nutritious food you eat every day? It's more than just flavor and smell! Our food is packed with essential building blocks called nutrients, which our bodies need to function properly and stay healthy. This journey into the components of food will explore these vital nutrients, explaining what they are and why they're so important. We'll delve into familiar terms like carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and discover how they fuel our bodies and keep us going. By understanding these components, we can make informed choices about what we eat and create a balanced diet that nourishes us from the inside out. So, get ready to explore the fascinating world of food components – it's a recipe for a healthier and happier you!
Components of FOOD :
| Nutrient | Description | Function | Example Foods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | Sugars and starches that provide energy | Main source of energy for the body | Bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, fruits, vegetables |
| Fats | Lipids that store energy and insulate organs | Provide energy, insulate organs, and support cell growth | Nuts, seeds, oils, butter, meat |
| Proteins | Complex molecules made up of amino acids that build and repair tissues | Build and repair tissues, make enzymes and hormones | Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, nuts |
| Vitamins | Organic compounds needed in small amounts for various bodily functions | Regulate body processes, support immunity, and promote growth | Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy products |
| Minerals | Inorganic elements essential for many bodily functions | Build bones and teeth, regulate fluids, and carry out chemical reactions | Milk, yogurt, cheese, leafy greens, whole grains, nuts, seeds |
| Water | Essential for all bodily functions | Regulates body temperature, transports nutrients, and lubricates joints | All foods and beverages contain some water |
| Dietary Fiber | Indigestible carbohydrates that aid digestion and promote gut health | Supports digestion, regulates blood sugar, and promotes gut health | Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes |
Function of Food :
- Provides essential nutrients for body growth and repair. Food is made up of various nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. These nutrients are essential for building and repairing tissues, bones, and muscles.
Supplies energy for body functions and physical activity. Our body breaks down food into usable energy (calories) that we use to power all our bodily functions and physical activities.
Regulates body processes. Food helps regulate various body processes, such as digestion, metabolism, and hormone production.
Maintains good health and well-being. A balanced diet that provides all the essential nutrients helps maintain good health, prevents chronic diseases, and promotes overall well-being.
MCQ notes & Worksheet :
There are six major nutrients that our bodies need to function properly:
Water: Water is essential for many bodily functions, including digestion, temperature regulation, and nutrient transport. It makes up a large portion of our body weight and needs to be replenished regularly.
Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are our body's primary source of energy. They come in two main forms: simple carbohydrates (sugars) and complex carbohydrates (starches and fiber). Complex carbohydrates are generally better for us as they provide sustained energy and essential fiber.
Proteins: Proteins are used for building and repairing tissues, making enzymes and hormones, and many other bodily functions. They are complex molecules made up of amino acids.
Fats: Fats provide energy, insulation, and help us absorb certain vitamins. There are different types of fats, with some being healthier than others. Unsaturated fats, found in fish, nuts, and avocados, are better for our health than saturated fats, found in red meat and dairy products.
Vitamins: Vitamins are essential for many bodily functions, but they are only needed in small amounts. They help regulate chemical reactions in the body, support the immune system, and maintain healthy vision and skin.
Minerals: Minerals are needed for building strong bones and teeth, regulating fluids in the body, and carrying out many other essential functions. Examples of minerals include calcium, iron, and sodium.
