What are defined as necessary food substance?

Necessary food substances are also known as essential nutrients. These are substances that the body cannot produce on its own and must be obtained from the diet. They are essential for growth, development, and maintaining good health.

Here are the six main categories of essential nutrients:

1. Carbohydrates: Provide the body with its primary source of energy.

2. Proteins: Essential for building and repairing tissues, making enzymes, and transporting substances throughout the body.

3. Fats (Lipids): Provide energy, help absorb vitamins, and protect organs.

4. Vitamins: Organic compounds that play vital roles in numerous bodily processes, such as metabolism, immune function, and vision.

5. Minerals: Inorganic substances essential for various functions, such as bone health, nerve function, and fluid balance.

6. Water: Essential for hydration, regulating body temperature, transporting nutrients, and removing waste products.

Specific examples of essential nutrients:

* Carbohydrates: Starches, sugars, and fiber found in grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.

* Proteins: Found in meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds.

* Fats: Found in oils, nuts, seeds, avocados, and fatty fish.

* Vitamins: Vitamin A, C, D, E, K, B vitamins, etc.

* Minerals: Calcium, iron, potassium, sodium, magnesium, zinc, etc.

Deficiencies in essential nutrients can lead to various health problems:

* Carbohydrate deficiency: Fatigue, weakness, and difficulty concentrating.

* Protein deficiency: Muscle weakness, slow growth, and impaired immune function.

* Fat deficiency: Dry skin, hair loss, and hormonal imbalances.

* Vitamin deficiency: Various health problems depending on the specific vitamin, such as scurvy (vitamin C deficiency), rickets (vitamin D deficiency), and night blindness (vitamin A deficiency).

* Mineral deficiency: Anemia (iron deficiency), osteoporosis (calcium deficiency), and hypothyroidism (iodine deficiency).

* Water deficiency: Dehydration, leading to fatigue, dizziness, and kidney problems.

It is important to consume a balanced diet that includes all essential nutrients to maintain good health and prevent deficiencies.