Functions of food

Food is  is a mixture of different nutrients such as carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals  and is a basic necessity of man. It. The nutrients are essential for growth, development and maintenance of good health throughout life and also play a vital role in meeting the special needs of pregnant and lactating women and patients recovering from illness.

Physiological function

i. Energy yielding foods are rich in carbohydrates and fats are called energyyielding foods. They give energy to sustain the involuntary processes essential for continuance of life, to carry out various professional, household and recreational activities and to convert food ingested into usable nutrients in the body.

The energy needed is supplied by the oxidation of foods like Cereals, roots and tubers, dried fruits, oils, butter and ghee are all good sources of energy.

ii. Body building foods are rich in protein are called body building foods.Milk, meat, eggs , fish ,pulses and nuts are good sources of protein. These foods help to maintain life and promote growth and also supply energy.

iii. Protective and Regulatory foods are rich in protein, minerals and vitamins .They are known as protective and regulatory foods. They are highly essential for health and regulate activities such as maintenance of body temperature,muscle contraction, control of water balance, clotting of blood, removal of waste products from the body and maintainingheartbeat. Milk, egg, liver, fruits and vegetables are protective

foods.

Social functions of food

Food has always been the central part of our community, social, cultural and religious life. It has been an

expression of love, friendship and happiness at religious, social and family get-togethers.

Psychological functions

Psychological functions of food:Foods also satisfy certain emotional needs of human beings which includes a sense of security, love and acceptance. For example, preparation of delicious foods for family members is a token of love and affection.