Monday, November 1, 2010

Functions of Food.

Functions of Food.

The food, we eat everyday, contains the following dietary essentials:

I. Proteins

II. Fats

III. Carbohydrates

IV. Minerals salts and

V. Vitamins

Food nourishes the body in the following ways:

1. It provides the body with fuel ,such as fats and carbohydrates, which are oxidized and supply the energy required for various activities.

2. It provides proteins for the building and upkeep of the body tissues.

3. It furnishes vitamins and minerals by means of which the life process in the body are regulated, thereby protecting against ill health.

Functionally, foods are classified as:

1. Energy yielding foods: Foods rich in carbohydrates and fats are called energy yielding foods. Cereals, roots and tubers, dried fruits, sugars and fats are included in this group. Cereals contain, in addition, fair amounts of protein , minerals and certain vitamins and form the important sources of the above nutrients particularly in poor dietaries.

2. Body building foods: Foods rich in proteins are called body building foods. Milk, meat, fish, eggs, pulses, oilseeds, nuts and low-fat oilseed flours are included in the group of body building foods.

3. Protective foods: Foods rich in proteins are called body building foods. Milk, eggs, liver, green leafy vegetables and fruits are included in this groups. Protective foods are broadly classified into two group:(a)Foods rich in vitamins , minerals and proteins of high biological value e.g. milk , eggs, meat,, fish and liver and (b) foods rich in certain vitamins and minerals only e.g. green leafy vegetables and fresh fruits.