Nutrition, nourishment, or aliment, is the supply of materials - food - required by organisms and cells to stay alive. In science and human medicine, nutrition is the science or practice of consuming and utilizing foods.

Food that we eat acts as a fuel to the body & provide essential nutrients which further act as:

1.Energy-giving foods –Carbohydrates, Fats- Energy required constantly for the voluntary & involuntary activities of the body.

2.Body-building foods –Proteins, Minerals- Muscles, bones & organs are built up and maintained by the protein supplied by the food. Minerals like iron, phosphorous affect the formation of the blood – skeleton tissue (bones).

3.Protective foods –Vitamins, Minerals – essential for safeguarding the body against diseases.

4.Regulatory foods –Water, Roughage- Water is required to regulate body processes such as digestion, excretion, maintenance of the body temperature and the electrolyte balance. Roughage helps normal body movements.

ImportantNutrients required by the body:

a.Carbohydrates

b.Proteins

c.Fats

d.Vitamins and Minerals

e.Water

f. Roughage