The diet which contains adequate amount of all the essential nutrients like carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals and vitamins, sufficient for the normal growth and development of the body Is called a balanced diet. The constituents of a balanced diet are-Carbohydrates, Fats, Proteins, Minerals (Salts), Vitamins, Water and Roughage,

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the compounds of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. They are the main source of energy in our body. There are three types of carbohydrates such as cellulose, starch and sugar, The cellulose does not provide energy to human body, hence It Is not a food. Sugar Is soluble in water. Glucose and fructose are the sugar, Starch Is Insoluble in water and mostly found In rice, wheat and potato. Excess carbohydrate In the body Is stored In the liver In the form of glycogen. Cellulose maintains healthy digestive system.

Fats

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The fats are the compounds of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. They are long chain fatty acids and glycerol. The main function of fats In the body Is to provide a steady source of energy. Fats containing saturated fatty acids are solid at room temperature such as, ghee, butter, dalda etc. Fats containing unsaturated fatty acids are liquid at room temperature such as ground-nut oil, musturd oil etc,

Proteins-

The proteins are highly complex organic compounds of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen. Proteins are made up of nitrogen containing compounds called amino acids, Proteins are very Important for the growth and repair of the body. Kwashiorkar is a disease which occurs due to the deficiency of proteins In the diet of children. Whereas Marasmus occurs in the Infants (small children) due to the deficiency of proteins,

Minerals

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The metals, non-metals and their salts are called minerals. Our body needs minerals for its proper functioning,