Major components of foods

Table of Contents

• Carbohydrates
• Proteins
• Fats
• Summary
• What’s Next?

In the previous segment, we learned about types of nutrients. In this segment, we will learn about the major components of foods.

Carbohydrates

• Carbohydrates are a type of organic molecule that are made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. The simplest form of carbohydrate is a sugar molecule, which is composed of one sugar molecule. There are many different types of sugar molecules, including glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Carbohydrates are found in many different foods, including fruits, vegetables, breads, and pastas.
• Carbohydrates are an important part of the human diet. They provide the body with energy, and they are also necessary for the growth and development of the body. Carbohydrates are digested and absorbed by the body in the small intestine. They are then transported to the cells, where they are used for energy.
• While carbohydrates are an important part of the human diet, it is important to remember that not all carbohydrates are healthy. Some carbohydrates, such as candy bars and soft drinks, are high in sugar and unhealthy for the body. It is important to eat healthy carbohydrates, such as fruits and vegetables, instead of unhealthy carbohydrates.

What are the functions of carbohydrates?

1. Carbohydrates are one of the main dietary components, providing our bodies with energy and essential nutrients. The main types of carbohydrates are sugars, starches, and fiber.
2. Sugars are found in many foods, such as fruits, vegetables, milk, and sweets. They are also used as sweeteners in many foods and beverages. Sugars provide a quick source of energy for the body.
3. Starches are found in grains, legumes, and potatoes. They are long chains of sugar molecules that the body breaks down into glucose, which provides energy for the cells.
4. Fiber is found in plant foods, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes. Fiber is not absorbed by the body, but it helps keep the digestive system healthy and can reduce the risk of some diseases.
5. What are the sources of carbohydrates?

Sources such as cereals, bread, potatoes and sugar are rich in carbohydrates and provide the body with tremendous energy.

Proteins

• Proteins are one of the main components of our body. They are essential for the body to perform many essential functions. Proteins are made up of amino acids. There are about 20 different amino acids that make up a protein. The body can manufacture some of the amino acids, but others must be obtained from the food we eat. The body needs all of the different amino acids to make a protein.
• There are two types of proteins: structural proteins and functional proteins. Structural proteins are the proteins that make up the tissues and organs in our body. They are responsible for the physical structure of our body. Functional proteins are the proteins that perform the many essential functions in our body. They are responsible for everything from digestion to movement.
• Proteins are essential for life. They are needed for the body to grow and repair tissues. Proteins are also needed for the body to make enzymes and hormones. Enzymes are responsible for all of the chemical reactions in our body. Hormones are responsible for controlling many of the body’s activities.
• Proteins are also important for weight loss. They help the body to feel full after eating. This helps to control the amount of food that is eaten. Proteins are also more satisfying than carbohydrates or fats. This means that they help to control hunger and cravings.
• Proteins are an important part of a healthy diet. They are essential for the body to function properly. Proteins are also important for weight loss.

What are the functions of proteins?

1. Proteins are major food nutrients that build, maintain and repair the tissues in the body. They act as building blocks and help in the repair of any damaged part of the body. They act as cement and maintain body structure.
2. Proteins are the main components of muscle cells and hence, are called Bodybuilding foods.
3. Proteins are the largest and most complex molecules in the body. They are essential for the body to function. Proteins are made of amino acids. There are 20 different amino acids that make up proteins. The body can make some of the amino acids, but it must get some of them from the food we eat.
4. There are many different kinds of proteins. Each protein has a specific job to do. Some proteins are structural proteins. They make up the framework of the body. Some proteins are enzymes. They help chemical reactions take place. Some proteins are hormones. They help control the body’s functions. Some proteins are antibodies. They help fight infection.
5. Proteins are important for the body to grow, heal, and function properly. They are essential for the body to make new cells, build muscle, and repair tissue. Proteins are also important for the body to make enzymes, hormones, and antibodies.

What are the sources of proteins?

• Protein is obtained from plant sources such as pulses, beans etc. But animal sources such as milk, eggs, fish, and meat are higher in protein content compared to plant sources.
• Proteins are one of the essential nutrients for the human body. They are necessary for the growth and repair of tissues, and play a role in many biochemical processes. Proteins are made up of amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein.
• There are many sources of protein, both plant and animal. Some plant sources of protein include legumes, nuts, and seeds. Some animal sources of protein include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products.
• So, what are the sources of protein? Plant and animal sources are both good sources of protein. Some plant sources of protein include legumes, nuts, and seeds. Some animal sources of protein include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products.

Fats

• There are four major types of lipids: triglycerides, phospholipids, sterols, and terpenes. Triglycerides are the most common type of lipid and are made up of three fatty acids and a glycerol molecule. They are the main form of energy storage in the body. Phospholipids are also made up of fatty acids and glycerol, but they have a phosphate group attached to the glycerol molecule. This makes them water-soluble, so they are important for forming cell membranes. Sterols are a type of lipid that is important for cell function and reproduction. Terpenes are a type of lipid that is found in essential oils and is responsible for their odor and flavor.
• There are four major types of fatty acids: saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and trans. Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds between the carbon atoms in the fatty acid chain. This makes the fatty acid chain rigid, so the molecule is not very soluble in water. Monounsaturated fatty acids have one double bond in the fatty acid chain. This makes the fatty acid chain more flexible, so the molecule is more soluble in water. Polyunsaturated fatty acids have two or more double bonds in the fatty acid chain. This makes the fatty acid chain very flexible, so the molecule is very soluble in water. Trans fatty acids are made when a hydrogen atom is added to a polyunsaturated fatty acid, which makes the fatty acid chain rigid. This makes the molecule less soluble in water.

What are the functions of fats?

1. Fats are a vital part of our diet, though needed in very small amounts. Fat stores and provides a huge amount of energy. The energy is even higher than carbohydrates. That is the reason why they are also called Energy giving foods.
2. Fats also insulate our body and help us maintain a normal core body temperature.
3. However, if we eat too many fatty foods, it will get stored in excess within our body. As a result, we will gain more body weight than necessary.
4. Fats serve many important functions in the body. They are a source of energy, they are necessary for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, and they play a role in the development and function of the brain and nervous system.

What are the sources of fats?

There are many sources of fats. The most common sources are animal products, such as meat, poultry, and dairy products. Plant sources of fats include vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds.