Food gives the body the nutrients it needs to grow and function properly. Nutrition is the process of extracting nutrients from food for the body’s growth and development as well as for obtaining energy.Nutrients are compounds that are necessary for the body’s proper functioning. These nutrients provide healthy nutrition to meet the body’s various needs.
Component of Food
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates, which include sugars, fibre, and starches, are necessary nutritional components. Carbohydrates’ primary role is to supply energy to the body by converting glucose or blood sugar into energy. The cells, organs, and tissues use this sugar as a source of energy. The excess energy or sugar is stored in the muscles and liver in preparation for future needs.
Proteins
Protein-rich foods are referred to as “body-building” foods because they help the body develop, heal, restore, and maintain itself. Proteins can be found in milk, beans, eggs, meat, and other foods, and they play a vital role in our bodies.
Fats
More than carbohydrates, fats are crucial for delivering energy to our bodies. They are necessary for the body’s absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K. Saturated fats (usually solid at room temperature) and unsaturated fats (typically liquid at room temperature) are the two types of fats.
Saturated Fats (liquid at room temperature, e.g. Butter) and Unsaturated Fats (liquid at room temperature, e.g. Vegetable Oil, for example).
Vitamins
Vitamins are involved in a wide range of biological activities. They assist our bodies by protecting them from a variety of ailments. Vitamins are necessary for supporting healthy eyes, gums, bones, and teeth There are two types of vitamins:
- Fat Soluble Vitamins
- Water Soluble Vitamins
Fat Soluble
Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) are essential for good health. They are stored in fat tissues and only used when the body requires them.
Water Soluble
Water-soluble vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, and folic acid (together known as the vitamin B complex) and vitamin C because our bodies cannot retain these vitamins, they must be consumed on a regular basis.Fruits, vegetables, dairy products, nuts, seeds, and other plant-based foods are all good providers of vitamins.
Minerals
They are utilised by the body to regulate heartbeat, develop strong bones, and produce hormones, among other things. Calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), and potassium (K) are examples of Macro minerals.
Leafy vegetables, seafood, milk, beans, nuts, and other foods are all good sources. Trace minerals are also required by the body, although only in very small amounts. Trace minerals include iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and iodine (I).
Roughage
Roughage does not contain any nutrients and cannot be processed by the human body. Despite this, they play a crucial role in food absorption, bowel movement, and constipation prevention. Cereals, fruits, and vegetables are some of the foods that are high in roughage.
Water
Water is necessary for optimal health and well-being. Water makes up nearly 70% of our weight. As it absorbs nutrients from meals, it is a necessary component. It aids in the elimination of waste items from our bodies via sweat and urine.
Water is necessary for life, so everyone should drink at least 8-10 glasses of it each day. Water can be found in milk, fruits, vegetables, and other juices.
Need for maintaining Food Components
Food is required for the growth and maintenance of the organism. Whether you’re a baby, a small child, an adolescent, or an adult, the human body grows at a constant rate until you reach a certain age.
Cells, tissues, bones, and muscles, among other body parts, must grow, repair, and build. Adequate nutrition is necessary for growth and the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle. Proteins, along with the right amount of fats and minerals, provide our bodies with the optimum nutrients.
In comparison to later phases of our bodies’ development, we require more nutrients during the first growth phase. Proper food component intake aids in the maintenance of a healthy weight-to-nutrition relationship.
Conclusion
Food gives the body the nutrients it needs to grow and function properly. Nutrition is the process of extracting nutrients from food for the body’s growth and development as well as for obtaining energy.Water-soluble vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, and folic acid (together known as the vitamin B complex) and vitamin C because our bodies cannot retain these vitamins, they must be consumed on a regular basis. Nutrients are compounds that are necessary for the body’s proper functioning.Water is necessary for optimal health and well-being. Water makes up nearly 70% of our weight. As it absorbs nutrients from meals, it is a necessary component.