They are the macronutrients that provide energy to our body in order to carry out various involuntary and voluntary functions. They also help us to carry out professional, household and recreational activities.
Sources:
- Cereals
- Roots
- Tubers
- Sugars
- Bread
- Dried fruits
- Starchy vegetables
They are also known as building blocks of our body, as they help in repairing and building the body tissues. The proteins are made of amino acids, which are essential for the formation of cells and tissues. Our body cannot synthesize some of these amino acids. So, the proteins present in the food substances are broken down into amino acids, which are then utilised by the body.
Sources:
-
Pulses
-
Egg
-
Nuts
-
Low-fat meat
Vitamins are micronutrients which play a vital role in various functions of the body.
There are two types of vitamins:
– Fat-soluble
– Water-soluble
Fat-soluble vitamins:
These vitamins are stored in the body for a few days to 6 months, and are utilised when the body needs them. They are:
Vitamin A:
- It helps maintain healthy skin.
- It takes part in the synthesis of proteins and differentiation of cells.
- It has antioxidant activity and protects the body from diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases and cataract.
- It plays a major role in the vision. It is essential for the formation of rhodopsin, a pigment essential for clear vision.
Sources:
- Papaya
- Carrot
- Green leafy vegetables
- Drumsticks
- Mango
- Jackfruit
Vitamin D:
- It is also known as sunshine vitamin
- It helps to absorb calcium and phosphorus from the food
- It enhances the deposition of calcium in the bones and makes them stronger and dense
Sources:
Vitamin E
- It has antioxidant activity and helps to maintain the integrity of cells
- It prevents the destruction of red blood cells in the body
- It decreases the accumulation of platelets, the blood cells which cause clotting
- It is known as anti-aging vitamin as it prevents skin damage by reducing the accumulation of lipids breakdown products
Sources:
- Egg
- Meat
- Butter
- Fruits
- Cereals
- Vegetables
- Sesame oil
- Mustard oil
- Sunflower oil
- Safflower oil
Vitamin K
It is known as anti-haemorrhagic factor as it play a role in blood clotting.
Sources:
- Fruits
- Tubers
- Seeds
- Dairy and meat products
- Dark green leafy vegetables
Water-soluble vitamins:
Water soluble vitamins do not accumulate in the body. They get readily excreted from the body.
Vitamin C:
- It is essential for the formation of collagen, which maintains the structure of bones, teeth and blood vessels
- It has antioxidant property
- It activates the growth hormone
- It helps to maintain and repair the skin
- It is essential for wound healing
Sources:
- Amla
- Drumstick leaves
- Guava
- Cashew fruit
- Cabbage
- Bitter gourd
- Oranges
- Tomatoes
Vitamin B Complex:
It contains eight B vitamins. They are B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12
Thiamine – Vitamin B1
- It helps the body to make new cells
- It is also called the anti-stress vitamin because it protects the immune system
- It helps break down carbohydrates
Sources:
- Whole grains
- Peanuts
- Beans
- Spinach
- Wheat germ
Riboflavin – Vitamin B2
- It acts as an antioxidant and helps the body to fight against the free radicals that damage cells
- It prevents early ageing
- It plays a role in the production of red blood cell
Sources:
- Almonds
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Eggs
- Spinach
- Soybeans
Niacin - Vitamin B3
- It increases HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol) in the body
Sources:
- Yeast
- Red meat
- Milk
- Eggs
- Beans
- Green vegetables
Pantothenic Acid – Vitamin B5
- It plays a role in the synthesis of sex and stress-related hormones including testosterone
- It reduces the signs of skin ageing such as redness and skin spots
Sources:
- Avocados
- Yogurt
- Eggs, meat and legumes
Pyridoxine – Vitamin B6
- It decreases the levels of homocysteine, substances which increase the risk of heart disease.
- It plays a role in the production of serotonin, melatonin and norepinephrine, a stress hormone
Sources:
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Tuna
- Salmon
- Lentils
- Sunflower seeds
- Cheese
- Brown rice
- Carrots
Biotin - Vitamin B7
- It is essential for healthy hair, skin and nails
Sources:
- Barley
- Liver
- Yeast
- Pork
- Chicken
- Fish
- Potatoes
- Cauliflower
- Egg yolks
- Nuts
Folate - Vitamin B9
- It improves memory and prevents memory loss
Sources:
- Dark leafy green
- Asparagus
- Beets
- Salmon
- Milk
- Beans
Cobalamin – Vitamin B12
- It produces red blood cells along with vitamin B9
Sources:
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Dairy
- Eggs
- Beef
- Pork
Macro-minerals:
Calcium, Chloride, Magnesium, Phosphate, Potassium and Sodium
-
They are essential for proper functioning of bones, muscles, heart and brain. The body requires large quantities of these minerals.
-
Calcium and phosphorus are required for proper bone strength
Trace-minerals:
Chromium, Copper, Fluoride, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Selenium, Zinc
-
Most of the minerals play a vital role in various enzymatic functions except chromium
-
Iron is essential for the formation of haemoglobin
-
Chromium is essential to keep the blood sugar levels normal
-
Iodine is essential for the formation of thyroid hormones
It is essential to carry out various functions of the body.