We eat not only to stop the rumbling sound that comes from our stomach when we are hungry, but also to gain energy to work. A meal could consist of bread omlette and milk for breakfast, rice, daal (pulses), vegetables, curd, and salad for lunch, potato chips or burger for snacks, and fish curry for dinner.

A balanced diet which provides nutrients to our body is necessary for a healthy heart, working muscles, and an active brain. These nutrients present in food will help with strong bones and energy. But do you understand what nutrients really are? Continue reading the article to know more.

Food and its Importance

All living organisms require food to survive. Plants prepare their own food, which they store as fruits, tubers, seeds, etc. Animals and humans both rely on this plant-stored food. Larger animals rely on smaller animals. Humans are also dependent on animals for food.

Importance of food

• Food gives energy.
• Food is required for development.
• Food contributes to good health.
• Food keeps the body running.
• Food is required for wound healing.

Ingredients

Food is made up of ingredients. An ingredient is a component of a mixture that is used to make a dish. Ingredients differ depending on the type of food. Plant and animal sources can be used to obtain ingredients.

For example, rice and water are used to make boiled rice, so rice and water are the ingredients for boiled rice. Vegetable curry is made with vegetables, salt, water, and spices, so vegetables, salt, water, and spices are ingredients.

What are Nutrients?

Each dish contains one or more ingredients derived from animals and plants. These ingredients contain vital components that our body requires to function properly. These components are known as nutrients. Fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals are the names given to the nutrients found in our food. Food also contains water and dietary fibres, both of which the human body requires.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy for an active brain. Breads, fruits, grains, sugar, and vegetables are rich in carbohydrates. Consume whole grains at least once a day, as they are high in fibre, which lowers the risk of heart disease.

Proteins

Protein is the primary structural component of cells and aids in the formation of body tissue. It degrades into amino acids, the building blocks of protein. Protein sources such as low-fat meat, beans, eggs, and beans should be consumed regularly.

Fats

Fat is an energy source that is consumed in order to increase the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Consume healthy sources of development and growth such as walnuts, fish, and vegetable-based oils.

Vitamins

Vitamins help to structure blood vessels, ligaments, and bone. Sources such as strawberries and peppers aid in the prevention of birth defects.

Minerals

Proper sodium intake aids in the maintenance of cell fluid volume and normal cell function. Minerals are abundantly found in banana, tomato, and potato. Consume enough calcium to help build strong bones and teeth.

Food Nutrients — Sources, Functions and Daily Needs

Here are some food components with their sources and needs explained:

Nutrient in food	Roles/Functions	Sources	Daily needs
1. Carbohydrates (Energy-providing foods)	The main source of energy	Wheat, rice, maize, potato, bread, honey, common sugar, milk, banana	An adult person doing light work needs 600 gram (gm).
2. Proteins (Body-building foods)	(i) For body building (ii) Digestion (iii) Growth (iv) Energy (v) Protection from infections	Pulses (peas, soybeans), egg, meat, paneer, cheese, groundnut, milk, fish	Adults require 1 gm for every 1 kilogram (kg) of body weight; children, require 1.46 gm for every 1 kg of body weight; women during pregnancy and lactation period also require more proteins.
3. Fats (energy-providing foods)	(i) Energy source (ii) Taste and flavour (iii) Reserve food source	Butter, cheese, vegetable oil (coconut oil, groundnut oil, sunflower oil), animal fat from meat, nuts, milk	Adults require 70 – 80 gm
4. Water	(i) Medium for body reactions (ii) Transport of substances (iii) Digestion (iv) Waste removal (v) Maintenance of constant body temperature
5. Roughage	(i) Due to its high fibre content, it absorbs water and aids in food movement within the intestine. (ii) Aids in bowel movement by preventing constipation.	Spinach, cabbage, beans, peas, cereals, wheat, lady’s-finger

Why is a Balanced Diet Important?

We frequently take eating for granted until we are confronted with serious health issues. Losing one’s ability to eat is akin to losing one’s life. This is why maintaining food constituents is critical to living a healthy life.

As it is not always possible to measure and consume the constituents of food, it is best to follow a healthy and balanced diet as a general rule. It is said that the sensation of food is determined by a person’s tolerance, illness, or the need for restriction. This is the reason why some people struggle with relearning to eat after a stroke or surgery.

What is the Need For Maintaining the Constituent of Foods?

Food and its constituents play an important role in our lives. The human body grows at a rapid rate until a certain age, whether it is a baby, a young child, an adolescent, or a fully grown-up man. Food components are required for fueling growth and maintaining the body after growth has ceased. Human body cells must grow and develop.

The body parts that grow are cells, tissues, bones, and muscles, and we see ourselves as growing from the outside. Protein is the building block of our bodies. It is essential for growth and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Protein, in combination with fats, minerals, and other ingredients, provides our body with the most nutrients. When compared to the rest of our body, the growing phase requires more nutrients.

We hope that this comprehensive article on ‘Components of Food’ was helpful and provided you with insights into various food components. At Embibe will you find more information on such topics. There is an invaluable resource for students who require assistance with their homework while preparing for exams, and while learning. Keep Embibing!