Our body needs different types of food to carry out different funtions. Each class of food has it specific functions.Different foods contain different nutrients.

Some foods are good sources of one type of nutrient, while others are good sources of another type of nutrient.Different types of food contain different amount of each nutrient.

FUNCTIONS OF CARBOHYDRATES

• Carbohydrates are organic compounds made up of the elemeynts carbon,hydrogen and oxygen.
• Starch ,cellulose,sugars and glycogen are examples of carbohydrates.
• There are two types of carbohydrates --simple and complex carbohydrates.
• Sugars are simple carbohydrates .Starch and fibres are complex carbohydrates.
• Carbohydrates are sources of energy for physical activities like walking,running,climbing,carrying heavy loads and to keep the body warm.

FUNCTIONS OF PROTEINS

• Our body is mainly made up of protein.
• Proteins are the main subtances needed for the growth of new cells and the replacement and repair of dmaged os injured tissues.
• They are useful in the production of new cells,tissues and organs.
• Protein becomes a source of energy during extreme starvation.
• Proteins are also required for the formation of enzymes,hormones,haemoglobin and antibodies in our body.

FUNCTIONS OF FATS

• Fats are compunds of carbon,hydrogen and oxygen.
• Fat consists of smaller unit of fatty acids combined with glycerol.
• Fats in liquid form at room temperature are known as oils.
• Animal fats are in solid form at room temperature.
• Fats are also found in plant products such as vegetable oils and nutrients.

FUNCTIONS OF VITAMINS

• Vitamins are organic compound that are vitual for healthy growth.
• They are required in small quantities.
• Too little vitamins may cause diseases. Too much vitamins will also affect our health negatively.
• There are two kinds of vitamins:--Fat-soluble vitamin and water-soluble vitamin.
• Vitamins A,D,E,K are fat-soluble vitamins. If too much of these vitamins are comsumed, they will remain in the fatty tissues of the body,especially underneath the skin.
• Vitamins B and C are water-soluble vitamins. Excess amounts of these vitamins are excreate through excretory system.
• Vitamins do not provide any enerygy.

FUNCTIONS OF MINERALS

• Minerals are inorganic substances needed by our body.
• Like vitamins--minerals are vital for good health,required in small quantities,deficiency will result in diseases,and do not provide any energy.
• Excess minerals are excreated through sweat and urine.
• Human beings obtain their minerals from food and drink.
• Minerals are found in almost every type of food.
• Lack of minerals in our daily diet will leas to mineral deficiency.

FUNCTIONS OF FIBRES

• Fibres is obtained from beans, cereals,brown rice,fruits and leafy vegetables.
• It is made up of cellulose from plant cell walls and cannot be broken down by our digestive system.
• It absorbs water easily and becomes bulkly. This provides the muscles on the walls of intestines with something to push against , so that food moves along the digestive tract easily and quikly.Therefore, fibre can prevent constipation.

FUNCTIONS OF WATER

• Waters very important to every living organisms this world. A person can live without food for several weeks but cannot live without water for more than three days .
• Human beings obtain water rom drinking , eating fruits and vegetables.
• About 70% of our body is made up water that is mainly found in body cells, around cells and body fluid such as blood.
• Basically,water helps to dissolve and transport digested food,gases,hormones, and excretory products.
• Water is such a solvent for many chemicals.Water is the medium in which chemical reactions in the body takes place.
• Water is also needed in the production of mucus that helps to keep cells,tissues and organs moist.
• Water helps the body to maintain its shape as well as provide support for the body.
• Water helps to regulate our body temperature.