Question

Some fruits and raw vegetables should be included in the diet because
A. Vitamin A is present in the fruits and vegetables.
B. Minerals are present only in the raw vegetables.
C. Vitamin C present in this food gets destroyed on cooking.
D. Starch is not present in this food.

Answer 1

Hint: Vitamins are essential nutrients required by the body in small amounts. The vitamins are broadly classified into two types depending on their solubility- Water soluble vitamins and fat soluble vitamins.

Complete Answer:
Vitamins are important for the body. They can not be synthesized by the body just like minerals and need to be obtained from outer sources. They should be consumed in the food we eat or should be taken as supplements in extreme conditions such as during diseases.

Some of the important functions of vitamins are:
- Growth and development
- Repair of the body parts
- Wound healing
- Maintaining the bones and tissues
- Proper functioning of immune system
These are of 13 types and are required for various metabolic processes by the body. They are of two types- water soluble and fat soluble.
1. Fat soluble vitamins- The vitamins are stored in the fat cells and need fats to be able to digest. For example- Vitamin A,D, E and K.
2. Water soluble vitamins- These vitamins are not stored in the body and are excreted through the urine. Therefore, the vitamins need to be restored constantly. For example- Vitamin B and C.
3. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits and juices such as oranges and grapefruits. As it is a water-soluble vitamin, it can not be cooked and thus needs to be taken through the fruits and vegetables. The other vitamins such as Vitamin A and is fat soluble. Starch is a carbohydrate which is present in rice, potatoes and other food items.

So, the correct answer is option (C).

Note: Vitamins are of two types- water soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. Water soluble vitamins such as Vitamin C needs to be taken through the fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C plays an important role in growth and repair of the tissues. Deficiency of vitamin C can lead to scurvy.