Food and Nutrition - what are the Energy producers?

Balance diet

A diet that contains all the food constituents namely protein, carbohydrates, mineral salts, vitamins and water in the right proportion is called a balanced diet.

Energy producers

Carbohydrates and fats on their oxidation yield a certain amount of energy, which is necessary for the performance of the various vital activities of the body. These substances are referred to as energy producers.

Energy has been measured in terms of calories.

The poverty line is measured in terms of intake of calories.

A 1 gm carbohydrate yields 4.1 calories.

A 1 gm protein yields 4 calories.

A 1 gm fat yields 9.3 calories.

Protein

The name protein was first proposed by Mulder. Proteins are formed from simpler units called amino acids. They are an important constituent of cells and tissues. All protein is composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and some amount of sulphur and phosphorous. Pulses are a rich source of protein. Soyabeen has more protein content than any other pulses.

Vitamins

 Dr Funk coined the word vitamins.

These occur in natural food and are not produced in our bodies.  Without them, the organism develops deficiency disease.

Fat-soluble vitamins - vitamins A, B, D and K

Water soluble vitamins – B complex group and C.

Vitamin A

It is essential for the maintenance of normal epithelial tissues including cornea and conjunctiva.

Deficiency disease

Xerophthalmia (dryness of the cornea)

Nyctalopia (night blindness)

Vitamin D

It is essential for normal calcium and phosphorous metabolism.

Deficiency disease

Rickets

Osteomalacia

It is manufactured in the body by the action of the UV rays of sunlight in the skin called ergosterol.

Vitamin E

This is essential for normal fertility and the prevention of hair fall.

Vitamin K

This is essential for the clotting of blood.

Vitamin B

This is essential for normal growth, appetite and for the proper functioning of the nervous system. A deficiency of vitamin B causes Beriberi.

Vitamin B₂

This is essential for cellular respiration. Deficiency of vitamin B₂ causes reddening of the eye.

Vitamin B₆

This is essential for the metabolism of protein, fat and carbohydrates. Deficiency of vitamin B₆ causes Anemia, dermatitis, and nervousness.

Vitamin B₁₂

It is essential for the formation of RBC. Deficiency of vitamin B₁₂ causes pernicious anemia.

Vitamin C

This is essential for intracellular metabolism. Deficiency of vitamin C causes scurvy.