Question

List six main purposes for which the food is required by body.

Answer 1

Hint: Food, a material made up essentially of protein, carbohydrates, fat, and other nutrients used in an organism's body to support growth and vital processes, and to provide energy.

Complete Answer:
The body's absorption and use of food is essential to nutrition and is supported by digestion. Plants, which convert solar energy to food through photosynthesis, are the primary food source. For other species, animals that feed on plants also serve as food sources.
Food Working
(1) The Physiological functions
- To fix tissues in the body
- To create new tissues and cells
- To control body processes
- To safeguard against diseases.
(2) The social functions of nutrition
(3) Food's psychological roles.

(I) To provide energy: The body requires fuel for voluntary and involuntary Activity. The primary sources of carbohydrates and fat-rich foods are Starch, sugar and cellulose are carbohydrates. Vanaspati, butter, ghee, nuts, and oil seeds are the fat sources.

(II) To build cells and tissues: Proteins, water and minerals create blood and muscle cells. Cereals and pulses are protein sources. Animal protein comes from eggs, fish and meat derived from dairy products. In eggs, meat, fish, green leafy vegetables, etc, minerals are found.

(III) To fix tissues and cells: Body tissues are broken down and replaced by new ones on an ongoing basis. To replace them, proteins, minerals and water are needed.

(IV) To control processes in the body: Essential fatty acids found in certain fats, proteins, minerals, vitamins and water all perform certain regulatory functions – coagulation of blood, maintenance of body temperature, activation of enzymes.

(V) To safeguard the body from diseases: Vitamins and minerals protect the body against illnesses and accidents. They help to regulate development, coordination of muscles, eye sight, digestion, and other body processes. These are found in vegetables with green leaves, other vegetables, milk, meat, liver and eggs, etc.

(VI) Food Psychologic Roles: Food meets certain emotional needs. Food is used to convey emotions of special attention, affection, acknowledgement or retribution.

Note: A diet is something that delivers nutrients. Nutrients are substances that provide: energy for body movement, development, and all body functions such as breathing, food digestion, and warming; materials for body growth, repair, and healthy immune system maintenance. The amount of various nutrients a person requires varies with age, gender, behaviour, and whether they are menstruating, pregnant, or breastfeeding. During sickness and healing, needs also differ.