We need food to get energy for doing work, for growth of the body and to protect us against diseases. Food stuffs contain useful nutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, Fats, vitamins, salts and minerals. Carbohydrates are energy-giving food. Potato, rice, wheat etc. are rich sources of energy. Fats also provide energy. Nuts, ghee, oil etc. provide us with fats.

Proteins are required for the growth of the body. They also help to repair the war and tear of the body. Meat, fish, milk products, soybean, Bengal gram are rich in proteins.

Vitamins, minerals and salts are necessary to protect our bodies against diseases. Green leafy vegetables, yellow vegetables and fruits provide us vitamins etc.

We should eat proper food

A diet which contains all essential nutrients in right amount is called a balanced diet. Eating less or overeating or eating only one type of food leads one to suffer from diseases. Seasonal fruits, vegetables, salad, pulse, milk products, sprouted grains in correct quantities from balanced food. Cooking food in an incorrect way decreases the nutritive value for our food. We should not boil vegetables in too much water. Food cooked by steaming does not lose nutritive value. Different methods of cooking are used for the taste and flavor. Spices are added to make it tasty. When cooked food is kept for longer time, it gets spoiled by the bacteria and moulds.

Foods need to be protected and persevered

Food stuff can be protect from getting spoiled by

a) Keeping them in a cool place like refrigerator etc.

b) by drying and salting

c) by making pickles

d) in the form of Jam, jelly, chatni, morabba and sauce

e) By preserving them in dry and air tight containers.

*Foodstuff exposed to dust and flies may cause diseases. Flies carry germs and may contaminate food causing typhoid, cholera, diarrhea, dysentery etc. we must always cover the food.