Nutritional Content In Food And Foods High In Nutrition

By | December 16, 2008

Amount Of Nutrients Contained In Food And List Of Nutrients In Food

What are the food’s containing different nutrients and their nutrients?

Your query is not very clear as there are numerous foods groups and varieties of foods and nutrients. It would be impossible to highlight or explain all areas adequately here. All foods contain some kind of nutrients, the quantities being different. Nutrients are those compounds, present in foods that help in healthy living. A balanced diet comprises of all the necessary nutrients in the required amount, the quantity varying, based on the needs of the individual. Carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins and minerals are the various nutrients seen in foods. Carbohydrates provide energy to the system and help in a number of metabolic reactions. They provide four calories per gram. Cereals, legumes, pulses and grains, fruits and vegetables, provide carbohydrates, though the quantity varies.

Carbohydrates are simple or complex. Simple carbohydrates are sugars that are seen in cereals, grains and legumes. Complex carbohydrates are dietary fiber, which is beneficial to the system. Dietary fiber in fruits, vegetables and whole grains are helpful, as they provide relief form various complications, such as constipation, diabetes, atherosclerosis, divericulitis and so on. Proteins help in growth and development and furnish four calories per gram. It also helps in tissue repair and the growth of connective tissue, in case of injury. Egg, poultry, fish and meat are animal sources of protein.

Nutritional Values Of Food

Vegetarian sources of protein include cottage cheese, soy, milk and dairy products, in addition to legumes and pulses. Fats provide nine calories per gram and are solids at room temperature. They help as shock absorbers and are present in the adipose tissue. They also aid in a number of metabolic reactions and in the absorption of fat soluble vitamins. Fat is available in the saturated and unsaturated forms. Saturated fats such as lard, margarine, butter and clarified butter are taken in restricted quantities. Safflower, sunflower oil and groundnut oil are unsaturated fats. Olive oil and flaxseed oil are mono unsaturated fats, which are highly beneficial.

Vitamins and minerals are micro nutrients that function as catalysts in an array of metabolic reactions. Fruits and vegetables, in addition to cereals, legumes and animal foods are abundant with fat and water soluble vitamins. Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat soluble vitamins. Vitamins B complex and C are water soluble vitamins. B complex vitamins include thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine, biotin, pantothenic acid and cyanocobalamin. Minerals, such as phosphorus, potassium, iron, magnesium, manganese, iodine and sulphur are present in vegetables and fruits. Deficiency of these nutrients results in various deficiency diseases. A healthy and balanced diet ensures overall well being, devoid of any ailments or health complications.