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.
