Food Composition
Food is required for our good health, maintenance, growth, and development. Food contains
several kinds of substances or constituents. Each one is important for some function or the other.
These food constituents which are needed by us for our growth and maintenance are called
nutrients.
Components of Food
Our foods have seven components. These are:
Carbohydrates, Fats, Proteins, Minerals, Water and roughage or dietary fibers.
Classification of Food
Energy Yielding Body building Protective
Carbohydrates and fats, produce Proteins are required for the growth Vitamins and minerals help perform nec
energy in our body. and repair of the body. activities and fight against diseases.
Fig: Components of Food
Food Functions
Component
Carbohydrates These are digested and broken down into glucose and provide energy to the body
Fats Store energy, protects and insulates the important organs
Proteins Help in metabolism, act as enzymes, and hormones
Vitamins These help in maintaining healthy bones, boost the immune system, heal wounds,
repair and damage of cells and converting food into energy
Iodine Formation of thyroid hormone
Calcium Helps in the proper functioning of the nervous system and maintain healthy bones
Phosphorus Helps to maintain acid-base balance in the body
Sodium Controls the blood pressure
Iron Facilitates the formation of haemoglobin
Fibres They help in food absorption and prevents constipation
Water They help in absorbing nutrients from the food and release waste from the body in
the form of urine and sweat.
Carbohydrates:
Carbohydrates provide energy to your body, which keeps it going throughout the day. There are
two major types of carbohydrates in food: sugar and starch.
Sugars: Sugar is also called simple carbohydrate. Fruits, honey, and table sugar are some
sources of sugar.
Starch: Starch is also called complex carbohydrate. Plants store energy in the form of starch.
Rice, wheat, corn, potato, and bread are some sources of starch. When we eat plant products,
containing sugar and starch, our digestive system breaks them down into glucose. This glucose,
which is the simplest form of sugar is then absorbed into the blood and provides us energy.
Proteins:
Proteins are needed by our body for muscle¬building and repairing worn-out tissues. Our
muscles, organs, and even blood are made up of mostly proteins. If we do not eat proteins, our
body will not be able to repair damaged cells, or build new ones. Proteins in our diet come from
both animal and plant sources.
Meat, fish, egg, and milk are some animal sources of proteins. Pulses, soyabeans, grams, and
nuts are some plant sources of proteins.
Vitamins:
Vitamins are needed for the proper functioning of our body. They help in keeping our eyes,
bones, teeth, and gums healthy. There are 13 vitamins, each of which has a specific function.
Vitamins are of two types: fat-soluble and water-soluble.
Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble vitamins. These are stored in the fat tissues of our body
and are used only when the body needs them.
Our body prepares vitamin D in the presence of sunlight.
Water-soluble vitamins Vitamins Bl, B2, B3, B6, B12, and folic acid (together known as vitamin
B complex) and vitamin C are water-soluble vitamins. Since water-soluble vitamins are not
stored in the body, these need to be regularly supplied through food items like citrus fruits,
spinach, and other green leafy vegetables, etc. Lack of vitamins in the body can cause deficiency
diseases.
Minerals:
Minerals also help our body to stay healthy. Minerals perform important functions like formation
of bones, teeth, and blood cells and helps in maintaining a normal heartbeat. Minerals are of two
types: macrominerals and trace minerals.
Macrominerals {macro: large) are needed by the body in larger amounts as compared to trace
minerals. Calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium are examples of macrominerals.
Trace minerals are needed by the body in very small amounts. Iron, zinc, copper, and iodine are
examples of trace minerals.
Roughage or Dietary Fibres:
The portion of the plant food that do not provide any nutrients to our body but help in
maintaining a healthy digestive system is called roughage or dietary fibres
Roughage are of two types: soluble and insoluble.
Soluble roughage is soluble in water whereas insoluble roughage is not. Apple, strawberry,
peach, and rice are examples of food items rich in soluble roughage that help in blood
circulation.
Whole grain, carrot, cabbage, turnip, and cauliflower are examples of food items rich in
insoluble roughage. Lack of insoluble roughage in the diet causes the stool to become hard and
difficult to pass. This condition is called constipation.
Water:
Almost 70% of our body weight is water. Water is needed by our body for good health.
It helps to transport substances inside our body.
It helps our body to absorb nutrients from food.
It helps to regulate our body temperature.
It is needed for various chemical reactions that take place inside our body during
digestion, excretion, etc.
We get water not only from the liquids we drink but also from the food we eat. Milk, fruits,
vegetables, and juices are good sources of water.
Function of Food
Providing proper growth of the body.
Performing various body functions.
Repairing damaged or injured body cells.
Manufacturing various cell parts.
Protecting against diseases and infections.
Providing energy to perform various activities like walking, taking, etc.
