Food Nutrients
Man needs a wide range of nutrients to perform various functions in the
body and to lead a healthy life. The nutrients include proteins, fat, carbohydrates,
vitamins and minerals. These nutrients are chemical substances which are present in the
food we eat daily. The foods containing these nutrients which we consume daily are
classified as cereals, legumes (pulses), nuts and oilseeds, vegetables, fruits, milk and
milk products and flesh foods (fish, meat and poultry)
Man needs all these nutrients, i.e.. energy, proteins, vitamins, minerals in different
amounts to grow, live and thrive. Since man derives all the nutrients he needs through the
diets he eats, his diets must be well balanced to provide all the nutrients in proper
proportions. In planning a diet for the community, foods have to be chosen in proper
amounts to provide all the nutrients in required amounts and also keeping in view the
dietary habits and availability of foods.
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