Man
needs a wide range of nutrients to perform various functions
in the body and to lead a healthy life. The nutrients include
proteins, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. These nutrients
are chemical substances which are present in the food we eat
daily. The foods containing these nutrients which we consume
daily are classified as cereals, legumes (pulses), nuts and
oilseeds, vegetables, fruits, milk and milk products and flesh
foods (fish, meat and poultry)
Man needs all these nutrients, i.e.. energy, proteins, vitamins,
minerals in different amounts to grow, live and thrive. Since
man derives all the nutrients he needs through the diets he
eats, his diets must be well balanced to provide all the nutrients
in proper proportions. In planning a diet for the community,
foods have to be chosen in proper amounts to provide all the
nutrients in required amounts and also keeping in view the
dietary habits and availability of foods
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