Components of Food — Important Questions

Fats give much more energy than the same amount of carbohydrates

Step 1: Both carbohydrates and fats are energy-giving nutrients. Step 2: However, they do not give the same amount of energy per gram. Step 3: Fats are much more energy-dense — a gram of fat gives approximately twice the energy of a gram of carbohydrate. Step 4: This does NOT mean we should eat only fats; eating too much fat leads to obesity and health problems. Step 5: A balanced diet includes both, in appropriate amounts, along with other nutrients.

Proteins

Step 1: Different nutrients have different roles in the body. Step 2: Proteins are the building blocks of the body — they are needed for growth of new cells and repair of damaged or worn-out tissues. Step 3: Carbohydrates and fats mainly provide energy. Step 4: Dietary fibre (roughage) helps in the smooth movement of food through the digestive system and does not directly help in growth or repair. Step 5: A child who does not eat enough protein may have stunted growth, swelling of face, and skin diseases.

Exposure to sunlight

Step 1: Vitamin D is a special vitamin because the body can make it on its own. Step 2: When skin is exposed to sunlight, the body uses the energy from sunlight to synthesise (produce) Vitamin D. Step 3: This is why Vitamin D is sometimes called the 'sunshine vitamin'. Step 4: Lemon juice is rich in Vitamin C, not Vitamin D. Green leafy vegetables provide other vitamins and minerals. Step 5: Nowadays, many people stay indoors too much and do not get enough sunlight, which leads to Vitamin D deficiency.

Iodine

Step 1: Swollen glands in the neck is the key symptom to identify here. Step 2: This condition is called goiter, which is caused by deficiency of the mineral iodine. Step 3: Iodine is needed by the thyroid gland in the neck to produce important hormones. Step 4: When iodine is lacking, the thyroid gland enlarges (swells) and mental disability can occur in children. Step 5: Calcium deficiency causes weak bones, iron deficiency causes anaemia (weakness), and phosphorus deficiency also affects bones — none of these cause swollen glands.