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The Functions Of Various Nutrients In Our Body
The purpose of various nutrients:
Carbohydrates are ‘energy-rich’ foods as they provide energy in the form of glucose to our bodies. Comparatively, fats provide more energy to our bodies.
Our body uses up fat as an energy source during observation of carbohydrate-restricted diet or fast. Too much of fat is harmful to our body, as it may cause a condition called ‘obesity’. Protein-rich foods are generally called ‘building blocks’ of our body as they contribute towards the building of muscles in our body.
Vitamins, though present in smaller quantities, help in protecting our bodies from various diseases. There are different kinds of vitamins namely, Vitamin A, D, E, K, B-complex, and C. The various kind of vitamins, its source, deficiency, and symptoms are listed in Table 2.1
Table 2.1 Vitamins, their source, function, and deficiency
Vitamin |
Function |
Source |
Deficiency |
Symptoms |
A |
Protects our eyes and vision, promotes skeletal growth, promotes healthy skin and hair | Carrots, green leafy vegetables, milk and dairy products, liver, meat | Loss of Vision | Poor vision during the night |
C |
Essential for skin promotes immunity, stops internal bleeding, strengthens blood vessels of our body | Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, berries vegetables, potatoes, and cauliflower | Scurvy | Bleeding gums, a longer time for wounds to heal |
D |
Promotes bone and tooth development, essential for the absorption of calcium in our body, and maintains the nervous system | Fish liver cod oil, eggs, fish, and mushrooms | Rickets | Softening of bones |
B-complex (B1, B-2, B-3, B-6 and B-12) |
Promotes muscle development, aids in digestion, essential for the formation of red blood cells | Whole wheat, wheat bran, wheat germ, oatmeal, peanuts, liver, meat, and dairy products | Deficiency of vitamin B1 - Beri Beri
Vitamin B-3 – Pellagra |
Insomnia, poor nervous system, anemia, high blood pressure, and dermatitis |