Components of Food (Nutrients)

📚 Key Concepts

🔹 Major Nutrients

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1. CARBOHYDRATES – Energy Giving Foods

  • Function: Primary source of energy
  • Sources: Rice, wheat, potato, banana, mango
  • Example: Glucose provides instant energy to marathon runners

2. FATS – Energy Storage

  • Function: Stored energy source, keep body warm
  • Sources: Ghee, nuts, oils, seeds
  • Example: Laddoos with ghee provide warmth in winters

3. PROTEINS – Body Building Foods

  • Function: Growth and repair of body
  • Plant Sources: Pulses, beans, nuts, soya bean
  • Animal Sources: Milk, eggs, fish, meat
  • Example: Athletes need more proteins for muscle building

🔹 Protective Nutrients

4. VITAMINS

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5. MINERALS

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🔹 Other Essential Components

6. DIETARY FIBER (Roughage)

  • Function: Helps digestion, prevents constipation
  • Sources: Fruits, vegetables, whole grains

7. WATER

  • Function: Absorbs nutrients, removes waste
  • Requirement: Drink sufficient water daily

🧪 Testing Food Components

Simple Tests You Can Do:

1. Starch Test:

  • Add 2-3 drops of iodine solution
  • Blue-black color = Starch present

2. Fat Test:

  • Wrap food in paper and press
  • Oily patch = Fat present

3. Protein Test: (Teacher demonstration)

  • Add copper sulfate + caustic soda
  • Violet color = Protein present
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