Components of Food: Importance, Sources, Diseases, Questions

Ans. The process of taking nutrients from our food for the growth and development of the body and to obtain energy is known as nutrition. The components of food that are necessary for the growth and development of our body are called nutrients.

Ans. Functions of food are:

• Food provides nutrition for the proper growth and functioning of the body.
• Food helps in the absorption of the nutrients.
• Food provides energy to carry out various physical activities.
• Food helps in repair and replacement of cells or tissues.
• Food protects against diseases and builds immunity.

Ans. Carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, roughage and water are the main food components that are required by our body.

The two energy-producing components are Carbohydrates and Fats. The main type of carbohydrates are in the form of starch and sugars. Carbohydrates provide energy to the body by the conversion of glucose or blood sugar.

Ans. The functions of vitamins and minerals in our body are:

Vitamins protect our body from various types of infections and diseases. They are essential for our immune system. Our body requires 13 types of vitamins.

Minerals are used to perform various functions like regulating heartbeat, building strong bones, producing hormones etc.

Ans. Carbohydrates which give instant energy to the body and are soluble in water are called simple carbohydrates. The main sources are vegetables, fruits such as grapes, milk products etc. The insoluble compounds like starch are known as complex carbohydrates. Main sources are wheat, millet, potatoes etc.

Ans. Roughage is the portion of food that our body can’t digest. But it is important because roughage helps in the absorption of food, in the movement of the bowel and prevents constipation. It is also beneficial for good bacteria present in our gut. Roughage helps to maintain body weight and controls blood sugar levels.

Ans. Marasmus and Kwashiorkor are caused due to protein deficiency. If a child suffers from marasmus and Kwashiorkor, he becomes underweight, often weighing 60% less than normal. The child suffers from muscle loss, hair loss, tiredness and becomes so thin that loose folds of skin can be seen all over the body.

Ans. Deficiency of Vitamin B in our body leads to Beriberi (vitamin B1) deficiency which results in weakness, tiredness, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, pain in the limbs, and swelling of feet or legs. And Pellagra (vitamin B3) deficiency which leads to diarrhea, dementia, mouth ulcers and inflammation of the skin.

Ans. The Two types of vitamins are:

Fat Soluble: Vitamins (A, D, E and K) are fat-soluble. They are stored in the fat tissues and are only used when required by the body.

Water Soluble: Vitamin (B1, B2, B3, B6, B12 and folic acid (together known as vitamin B complex) and vitamin C) are water-soluble. They are not stored in our body and are frequently taken.

Ans. Rickets is caused by vitamin D and calcium deficiency. It leads to soft and weak bones. This condition affects children resulting in delayed growth, bowed legs, pain in the spine, pelvis, and legs. Scurvy is caused due to vitamin C deficiency. This condition causes anemia, debility, bruising, bleeding gums, pain in the limbs, and loose teeth.

Ans.

1. Carbs are the source of fuel for our body, so keeping carbs out of the diet will result in lack of energy. A carbohydrate-deficient diet may cause tiredness, headaches, fatigue, weakness, difficulty concentrating, nausea, constipation, vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Hypoglycemia(low blood sugar or low blood glucose) can be caused due to lack of carbohydrates in our daily diet.
2. Failing to achieve the right amount of protein can result in two main disorders: and Marasmus. Protein deficiency is associated with many symptoms like skin, hair and nail problems, loss of muscle mass, increased risk of bone fractures, risk of infections, fatty liver etc.
3. Essential fatty acid (EFA) deficiency is rare but can occur in infants fed with diets deficient in EFAs. Symptoms include scaly dermatitis, hormonal imbalance, alopecia, thrombocytopenia, and, in children, intellectual disability.
4. There is a wide range of vitamins and minerals, hence the symptoms of a deficiency vary. Deficiencies caused by some common vitamins are:

• Night Blindness: It is caused by vitamin A deficiency in our body.

• Beriberi and Pellagra: Beriberi is caused by thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency. It causes weakness, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, pain in the limbs, and swelling of feet or legs. Whereas Pellagra is caused due to Niacin (vitamin B3) deficiency. It is characterized by diarrhea, dementia, mouth ulcers and inflammation of the skin.

• Rickets: It is caused by vitamin D and calcium deficiency which leads to soft and weak bones. This condition affects infants and children resulting in delayed growth, bowed legs, and pain in the spine, pelvis, and legs.

• Scurvy: It is caused due to vitamin C deficiency. This condition causes anemia, debility, bruising, bleeding gums, pain in the limbs, and loose teeth.

• Hemophilia: It is caused by vitamin K deficiency and is characterized by increased bleeding.

• Goiter: It is caused by iodine deficiency which results in swelling and pain in the neck and thus appearing like a lump at the front of the neck.

• Anemia: It is a result of iron deficiency in our body. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, brittle fingernails, headache, dizziness, and sore tongue.

5. Dehydration occurs due to lack of water in the body, which decreases the rate of enzymatic activity and increases fatigue. This results in dry mouth, lethargy, weakness in muscles, headache and dizziness. Some serious effects of dehydration include high and low blood pressure, constipation, ulcers and urine infection.