Good Living

Fats Fuel for energy is stored in some plants(e.g oil seeds) as oil and in animals as fat. In plants and also in animals, fats are formed from carbohydrates. Fats, therefore, are substances made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. They provide the body with heat and energy. They include all fatty materials such as meat, butter and all fats and oils derived from animal or vegetable sources. Fats are highly valuable foods. They supply more heat and energy than any other food substance. They are not easily digested because of their high carbon content. The animal fats for cookery are butter, lard,dripping, fat of meat and oily fish. Vegetable fats are nut oil, vegetable oil, margarine and shea butter. Minerals Minerals are essential for building the body and for the maintenance of health. For this reason, they may be regarded as nutrients. The chief mineral substances in food are sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron and iodine. It is required by the fluids in the body. The body

Carbohydrates Carbohydrates comprise starch, sugar, cellulose and pectin. They are composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Carbohydrates make up about two thirds of the diet and are a relatively cheap source of energy. It provides the body with energy and, in some situations, may be converted into fat. This occurs when a surplus quantity is eaten. Almost all the carbohydrates come from vegetables. 1) Starch is in abundance in root vegetables and cereals. Starch is the form in which many plants store their food reserves. It is also present in fruits such as bananas and plantains. 2)Sugar is present in fruits and vegetables. The principal kinds are : a) Glucose : This is the simplest sugar. It is present in sugar cane, the juices of fruit and plants, especially in onions and corn. b)Fructose. It is also simple sugar, which can be changed into glucose. It is the sweetest sugar and is present in plant juices, fruits and honey. c) Sucorse is present in sweet fruits and in carrots. d) La