To make our body healthy and strong, we should consume food items containing the following elements on a daily basis—
1. Protein – Produces physical growth, agility, enthusiasm and strength. Compensates the body. It is found in abundance in pulses, cereals, gram, peas, milk, buttermilk, paneer, skim milk, fruits, etc.
2. Fat (grease) – Produces heat and strength in the body. It is found in milk, curd, ghee, butter, oil, almonds, walnuts, cashews, peanuts, etc.
3. Mineral salts – Minerals keep the energy good. Make bones strong. Protect the body from diseases. They are found in fresh vegetables, fruits, wheat, rice, milk, etc.
4. Carbohydrates – Provide strength and heat in the body. These are found in rice, wheat, maize, jowar, bajra, sugarcane, dates, sweet fruits, banana etc.
5. Water (moisture) – Cleans the body and removes dirty substances (sweat, stool, urine etc.) from the body. Helps in digestion of food and blood circulation. Maintains the body temperature.
6. Calcium – Strengthens bones and teeth. Improves the complexion of the body. Makes hair thick and strong. It is found in green vegetables, milk, curd, buttermilk, cheese etc.
7. Iron – Due to its deficiency, the redness of blood decreases. In its absence, blood cannot supply oxygen to every fiber. This is the reason for anemia. It is found in green vegetables, grains, bread, green beans of beans, dry fruits.
8. Vitamins – Keep the body healthy and free from diseases. These are found in rice, apple, wheat, milk products, butter, fruits, fresh leafy and leafless vegetables, lemon, tomato, peas, beans, lentils etc.
9. Calories- It is a measure of energy and heat in the body. Just as burning of coal in an engine produces heat and energy and the engine runs, similarly eating food produces heat and energy in the body. Its measurement is called calories. One gram of protein contains approximately 4 calories, one gram of fat contains 9 calories and 1 gram of carbohydrates contains 4 calories.
