Food, Nutrients and Balanced diet

Food refers to any substance consumed to provide nutritional support to living organisms. Food in different parts of India has its own unique qualities. The main purpose of food is to provide one with energy. Food consists of certain compounds that are important to provide one with energy and health. These compounds are known as nutrients. The consumption of adequate amounts of nutrients from meals would lead to a balanced diet for individuals. A balanced diet helps a person stay healthy and function efficiently. 

Food Material and Sources:

Plants and animals are major sources of our food. Some of the plant products include grains, cereals, vegetables, and fruits. Similarly, milk and meat products along with eggs are major animal products. 

Various parts of plants are consumed in different manners. 

Some plants have two or more edible parts. For example, seeds of a mustard plant give us oil, and its leaves are used as vegetables. 

Classification of Animals as per their Food Habits:

• Herbivores: Those who eat only plants. For example, cows and buffalo
• Carnivores: Those who eat only animals such as lions and wolves
• Omnivores: Those who eat both plants and animals. It includes humans, dogs, etc

Components of Food

Our body requires different kinds of food for various purposes and to fulfil our nutritional requirements.

Nutrients: Nutrients are the substance in food that our body processes to enable itself to function efficiently. Essential nutrients in our food include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. It also contains dietary fiber and water.

Tests to detect the presence of nutrients:

Role and Sources of Nutrients:

Balanced Diet:

For growth and maintenance of good health, our diet should include all the nutrients that our body requires, and in the right quantity along with a good amount of roughage and water. Such a diet is called a balanced diet.

Food should also be cooked properly so that its nutrients are not lost:

• Loss of vitamins takes place if vegetables and fruits are washed after cutting or peeling them
• Vitamin C is easily lost due to the excessive heat produced while cooking

Nutrient related Deficiency/Disorder:

The deficiency of one or more nutrients in our food for a long time may cause certain diseases or disorders.

Our meals must have a proper balance of all the nutrients which are required by our body to keep us healthy and active. So, we must take a proper nutritious meal to stay fit and fine.

Conclusion

Food is a source of energy. The major sources of food are plants and animals. Species can be divided into three types on the basis of their food consumption. There are herbivores that feed on plants, carnivores that feed on herbivores, and finally omnivores that are a combination of herbivores and carnivores. Food contains nutrients that are essential for proper functioning of individuals. The basic nutrients in food items are fats, protein, carbohydrates, fibres, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients can be detected through the help of certain tests. Each nutrient serves a particular purpose and is suggested to be consumed in a limited quantity. If these are consumed in lesser quantities, it can lead to certain disorders or diseases.