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Types of food |
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Food consists of a mixture of protein, fats and carbohydrates, together with some indigestible matter known as dietary fiber. Proteins are essential for growth and repair of body tissues, but in an affluent society people eat far more protein than is necessary for the body building. The excess is converted by the body to carbohydrates and used for energy.
Carbohydrates and fats are foods used by the body to produce energy for movement and for all the body processes. The body readily converts excess carbohydrates to fat for storage or converts fats to carbohydrates whenever is required. There are two main types pf dietary carbohydrate - starch and sugar. Dietary fiber (or roughage), although not absorb as food by the body, does not play an extremely important part in the working of the intestines. A high fiber intake assists in regular defaecation, while a low fiber diet tends to be constipating. Carbohydrates and fats are foods used by the body to produce energy for movement and for all the body processes. The body readily converts excess carbohydrates to fat for storage or converts fats to carbohydrates whenever is required. There are two main types pf dietary carbohydrate - starch and sugar. Dietary fiber (or roughage), although not absorb as food by the body, does not play an extremely important part in the working of the intestines. A high fiber intake assists in regular defaecation, while a low fiber diet tends to be constipating.
In addition to these major dietary constituents of protein, carbohydrate, fat and fiber, vitamins and minerals are also necessary in the diet.
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