Food for Sharing

Food plays a vital part in keeping us alive and healthy. It provides us with seven
main components or substances called nutrients. These are: Carbohydrates,
Proteins, Fats, Mineral salts, Water, Vitamins and Fibre (also known as roughage).

Carbohydrates: The main job of carbohydrates are to give us energy and

strength. Foods rich in carbohydrates are potato, sweet potato, bread etc.

Proteins: Proteins are body-building foods. They help the body in its growth, and
repair of body cells and tissues, protect and help the body to fight against
contagious infections and regulate body functions. Meat, eggs and fish etc provide
proteins of animal origins.

Fats: These are also energy giving foods, producing more energy than
carbohydrates. Examples of fat-rich foods are butter, cheese and nuts.

Mineral salts: Mineral salts are important for various body functions. They are
required in small quantities and are obtained from the foods we take in. Minerals
have no energy value. Rich sources of minerals are milk cheese and eggs.

Water: Water is indispensable.