Why are the following nutrients important …

The common sources of carbohydrates in our diet are cereals (maize, wheat, rice), potato, sweet potato, sugar, jaggery, honey and some fruits like mango, papaya, banana and melon. All carbohydrates provide energy to our body.

Fats provide twice as much energy as that provided by the same amount of carbohydrates. Fat is present in butter, ghee, oils, groundnut etc.

Both carbohydrates and fats are considered as ‘energy giving foods’.

Proteins are needed for the growth and repair of our body. The foods which are rich sources of proteins are milk, cheese, pulses, peas, beans, soyabean, groundnut, fish, meat, chicken and eggs. Proteins are termed as ‘body building foods’.

Vitamins help us in protecting our body against diseases. These are required in very small quantities in our diet. The different kinds of vitamins are vitamin A, B (B₁, B₂, B₆, B₁₂), C, D, E and K. The group of vitamins containing vitamin B₁, B₂, B₆, B₁₂ is called B-complex.

Minerals are required by our body for its proper functioning, normal growth and good health. Some of the important minerals needed by our body are calcium, phosphorous, iron, iodine, sodium and potassium.

Roughage is the fibrous matter in food which cannot be digested. It helps in digestion and prevents constipation. It is found in fruits, vegetables and wholemeal flour products.