What is Energy in Food?
Food gives us the energy to do various activities such as walking, sitting, speaking, playing, etc. Some foods give us a lot of energy and help in the growth and repair of the body. Foods also give us the energy to protect the body from diseases. This energy comes from substances present in the food. Substances like carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, fats and minerals that are present in the food are called nutrients. Food energy is generally expressed in terms of calories.
Food Items
Which Food Provides the Most Energy?
Energy - Giving Food
These foods give us the energy to do various activities such as walking, sitting, speaking, and playing. Some foods that give a lot of energy are:
Rice
Banana
Bread
Body - Building Food
These foods help in the growth and repair of the body. Some examples of body-building foods are:
Eggs
Pulses
Chicken
Protective Food
Protective foods protect the body from diseases. They help to keep our bodies healthy. Fruits and vegetables are some examples of protective food.
Fruits
Vegetables
Fibre
This is found in fruits, vegetables, food grains and pulses. It helps the food we have eaten to move inside the body. Some fibre-rich foods are beans and legumes.
Water
While fibre helps in digestion, we should have sufficient water as well. We should drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day.
How Do We Get Energy from Food?
The food that we eat does not give energy directly to our bodies. It gives after digestion. Digestion is a process in which the food we eat is broken down into simple and soluble substances that are absorbed by the body.
Balanced Diet
Eating a balanced diet means that we choose food in the right quantity from each of these food groups. Here are a few examples: cereals for energy; milk, pulses and meat for growth; enough vegetables and fruits for fighting diseases. Thus, a balanced diet is a diet which contains proper proportions of energy-giving food, protective food and body-building food. This is necessary to maintain good health.
Healthy Food Item
Solved Questions
1. What are the nutrients present in the food?
Ans: Carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, fats and minerals are some of the nutrients present in the food.
2. Name the unit of food energy.
Ans: Calories and Joules are units of food energy.
3. What is body-building food?
Ans: Body-building foods help in the growth and repair of the body. Some examples of body-building foods are:
Eggs
Pulses
Chicken
Learning by Doing
Write True or False
Carbohydrates and fats are the only nutrients present in the food. (T/F)
A balanced diet has all types of food. (T/F)
Food energy is generally expressed in the term wheat consumption. (T/F)
Fibre helps in digestion. (T/F)
Summary
To be healthy and active, we should have enough food. Food supplies energy and helps in growth. It also repairs the body and keeps us healthy. A balanced diet has all types of food. We hope you have learnt something new about food and what kinds of food provide us with which nutrients. To read more about such interesting topics, visit our website today.
FAQs on Energy in Food: Knowing the Food That Provides Energy
1. List down some important healthy eating habits.
Some healthy eating habits include:
Wash your hands before and after eating.
Do not eat too much junk food.
Eat fewer sweets and drink fewer soft drinks.
Try not to eat in between meals.
Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is a must.
Do not waste food.
Chew your food well.
2. What is junk food? Why should we avoid it?
We should avoid eating too many samosas, pakoras, cakes and pizzas. These foods are tasty but not good for our bodies. These are called junk food. Eating too much junk food can make us fall sick. They can make us lazy too. You may have one small serving of cake or chips or two chocolate biscuits, but not a lot of them! Soft drinks usually have a lot in them that you do not need. So avoid eating too much of such food.
3. Which nutrients/substances are present in energy-giving food items?
Carbohydrates and fats are the nutrients that are present in energy-giving food items.