Diet

Carbohydrates are the primary energy-giving nutrients; they are broken down into glucose to provide energy for the body’s activities.

Proteins are the building blocks of the body, essential for growth, repair of tissues, and formation of enzymes and hormones.

Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy skin, good vision (especially in dim light), and proper functioning of the immune system.

Fats are concentrated sources of energy, providing more than twice the energy per gram compared to carbohydrates.

Lentils are legumes rich in plant-based protein, making them an excellent protein source, especially in vegetarian diets.

Cellulose is a type of dietary fibre (roughage) that the human body cannot digest but aids in bowel movement.

Roughage adds bulk to food, helps in proper bowel movement, and prevents constipation.

Iron is essential for the formation of haemoglobin in red blood cells, which carries oxygen throughout the body.

The skin synthesizes Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight; it is essential for calcium absorption and bone health.

Calcium is the primary mineral in bones and teeth, providing strength and structure.

Vitamin C deficiency leads to scurvy, characterized by bleeding gums, weakness, and slow wound healing.

Rickets is caused by Vitamin D deficiency, leading to soft, weak bones and skeletal deformities in children.

Vitamin A deficiency causes night blindness (inability to see well in dim light) and other vision problems.

Iodine deficiency causes goitre—enlargement of the thyroid gland—and can lead to other metabolic issues.

Thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency causes beri-beri, which affects the nervous system and causes muscle weakness and fatigue.

Iron deficiency leads to anaemia, a condition with reduced haemoglobin, causing fatigue, weakness, and pale skin.

Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis; its deficiency causes scurvy, with symptoms like bleeding gums and poor wound healing.

A balanced diet provides all essential nutrients—carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water—in appropriate amounts.

A balanced diet limits excess fats and sugars to prevent obesity and related diseases; excess is not a characteristic.

Water aids digestion, absorption, transport of nutrients, and removal of waste products from the body.

Fats and oils are concentrated sources of energy, providing more calories per gram than other food groups.

Sugar is a simple carbohydrate that provides quick energy to the body.

Milk is rich in protein and calcium, making it an excellent body-building food for growth and tissue repair.

Proteins are the building blocks of the body, essential for the growth, maintenance, and repair of tissues.

Vitamins and minerals protect the body from diseases and help regulate various body functions.

Vitamin C boosts the immune system, helping the body fight infections and protect against diseases.

Washing removes dirt and impurities; soaking softens pulses and reduces cooking time.

Steaming cooks vegetables with minimal nutrient loss, as vitamins are not leached into water or destroyed by high heat.

Overcooking destroys water-soluble vitamins like Vitamin C and B-complex, reducing nutritional value.

Sprouting involves germinating seeds or pulses, which increases their nutritional value, especially Vitamin C and B vitamins.

Using minimal water prevents water-soluble vitamins and minerals from leaching out into the cooking water.

Cooking in iron vessels can add small amounts of iron to food, helping prevent iron deficiency anaemia.

Whole wheat bread contains carbohydrates for energy and dietary fibre (roughage) for digestion.

Carbohydrates are the body’s main energy source; their deficiency leads to fatigue and weakness.

The human body is about 60% water, varying with age, gender, and body composition.

Water helps regulate body temperature through sweating and maintains homeostasis.

Nutrients are substances in food that provide energy, support growth, and maintain body functions.

Vitamin K is essential for the synthesis of clotting factors that help stop bleeding.

Sugar is a carbohydrate, not a source of fat.

Vitamins are micronutrients that regulate body functions but do not provide energy themselves.

Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) can cause poor growth, dry skin, and muscle wasting in children.

Polished rice lacks the thiamine-rich husk, leading to thiamine deficiency and beri-beri.

Vitamin D deficiency causes rickets, leading to soft bones and deformities like bowed legs.

This meal provides carbohydrates (chapati), proteins (dal and curd), vitamins/minerals (vegetables), and is well-balanced.

Culinary practices encompass cooking methods, food preparation techniques, and kitchen traditions.

Bananas are rich in potassium, essential for muscle function, nerve transmission, and maintaining fluid balance.

Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into Vitamin A.

Citrus fruits are excellent sources of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which boosts immunity and acts as an antioxidant.

Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption; both are necessary for strong bones and teeth.

Sea fish and iodised salt provide iodine, which is essential for thyroid hormone production.

Chips and burgers are high in fats and carbohydrates but lack essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins needed for a balanced diet.

Adequate water intake is essential for hydration, digestion, temperature regulation, and waste removal.

Plant-based foods like lentils, beans, nuts, and dairy products also provide high-quality protein.

Healthy fats (unsaturated fats) are essential for brain function and vitamin absorption; excess saturated and trans fats are harmful.

Roughage aids digestion, prevents constipation, and supports gut health despite not being digestible.

Carbohydrates like glucose and natural sugars in bananas provide quick energy to replenish depleted stores.

Bleeding gums indicate Vitamin C deficiency; oranges are rich in Vitamin C to help treat it.

Sprouting involves soaking pulses until they germinate and shoots appear, increasing their nutritional value.

Junk food is typically high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and salt but lacks essential nutrients for good health.

Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that protect the body against diseases.