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.
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