Question

Name the nutrients present in food and state their functions.

Answer 1

Nutrients:

1. It can be defined as the necessary ingredients for the growth and development of a person.
2. The nutrients necessary are carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and roughage.
3. All these nutrients play a significant role in keeping our body healthy and fulfilling all the needs of the body.
4. Every food has some kind of nutrient in them ranging from vegetables and fruits having minerals and vitamins, animal products such as meat and eggs containing proteins, and cereals or grains are rich in carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates: This is a vital nutrient for the body and includes all kinds of complex and simple sugars.

1. This nutrient is the main source of energy in our body.
2. The complex sugars that we consume as starch gets broken down into simpler forms which are glucose and fructose and they are used to obtain energy via respiration.

Protein: These are complex and large biomolecules that are essential for various things in a body. It is involved in structural as well as functional roles.

1. Proteins are involved in the development of structural components of our body starting from bones, muscles, and skin.
2. They are also involved in the physiological activities of the body of which enzymes are a very important part.
3. They play a role in our immunity as well by the production of the antibodies that fight against the foreign particles.

Fat:

1. Fats are the highest energy-providing nutrient.
2. Fat provides the body with fatty acids which are needed by the body.
3. The fats are very important for the absorption of the vitamins as the vitamins are all fat-soluble.

Vitamins: They are organic compounds that are obtained from food items in our diet. These are essential components that are required by the body for proper growth and development.

1. The vitamins are highly needed as their deficiency can cause various diseases such as scurvy, night blindness, rickets, etc.
2. Vitamins are therefore a key ingredient to boost the immunity of the body.
3. it supports the normal growth and development of the body.

Minerals: These are inorganic substances in our food which is needed in very small amounts by the body but perform very vital functions in the body.

1. Minerals are needed as key components in various functions. Iron is important for blood, Calcium is needed in the bones for them to be tough and strong.
2. Minerals are needed for the proper functioning of the brain, muscles, and bones.

Roughage: This component of our diet does not add any nutrient value rather it is necessary for the digestion of the consumed food.

1. The fibers are necessary for making bowel movements smooth.
2. These fibers absorb water and also add to the mass making it easier for the food to pass through the alimentary canal.