CBSE BoardEnglish MediumSTD 12 CommercePhysical EducationSports And Nutrition5 Marks
Question
what is balanced diet? Explain the component of diet.
✓
Answer
A balanced diet refers to the intake of edibles which can provide all the essential food constituents necessary for growth and maintenance of the body, in definite amount in which they are required by the body. A balanced diet means eating the right amount of foods from all food groups.
"A diet which consists of all the essential food constituents, viz., proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and water in correct proportion is called a balanced diet."
In other words, "Balanced, diet is that diet which consists of various constituents of food in occurate and appropriate quantity and quality according to the requirement of an individual." In fact, every individual does not require same type of diet. The diet differs from individual to individual. The following points sum up a balanced diet.
A balanced diet must contain all the essential constituents in adequate amount.
There must be definite proportion between the different constituents of food.
The food should be easily digestible.
Cooking of food is necessary because it sterilizes foodstuff and makes it palatable and easily digestible.
The component of diet:
Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are the most important source of energy. They contain the elements of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. The very first part of the name 'carbo' means that they contain carbon. The second part of the name 'hydr' means that they contain hydrogen. The third part of the name 'ate' means that they contain oxygen. In all carbohydrates, the ratio of hydrogen atoms to oxygen atoms is $2 : 1$ just like water, i.e., $H_2O$. Carbohydrates are actually the organic compounds that are important for different digestive operations in our body.
Proteins: Proteins contain-carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and sometimes sulphur. Proteins are very large molecules, so they cannot be directly absorbed into our blood. So they are turned into amino acids by our digestive system. There are $23$ amino acids. Out of these, $9$ amino acids must be available in the diet. These amino acids are used by the body to create blood, muscles, nails, skin, hair and tissues in internal organs. Proteins form new tissues, repair the broken tissues, regulate balance of water and acids, transport oxygen and nutrients and make antibodies.
Fats: Fats contain carbon, oxygen and hydrogen in the percentage of $76, 12$ and $12$, respectively. Fats are necessary for many body functions. Fats keep us warm and protect our organs. Fats also help in the production of hormones.
Water: Water is a compound which is made up of hydrogen and oxygen elements in the ratio $2 : 1$. Our blood also contains $90\%$ of water. Water helps in the transportation of nutrients to the cells of the body. It is also important for the excretion of waste products. It also regulates the body temperature. It is vital for various chemical reactions taking place in our body. It is essential for the body's metabolism.
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