Nutrients, roughage and water

The parts of food that give us energy, help us grow and repair, protect us from disease and keep the body working are called nutrients. The major nutrients are carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals.

The body needs two more things that are not nutrients, but are still essential.

1. Dietary fibre (roughage). Have you seen the threads near the stone of a mango? That is fibre. Our body cannot digest it and it gives no nutrients, but it helps the body get rid of undigested food and lets stools pass smoothly. It comes mainly from plants: green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, wholegrains, pulses and nuts. In the book, a doctor tells grandma, who has trouble passing stools, to eat food high in fibre.

2. Water. Water helps the body absorb nutrients from food, and it removes waste through sweat and urine. Drink enough water, regularly.

In the book, Medu does not eat vegetables but loves biscuits, noodles and white bread. He often has stomach ache and constipation. His food has very little roughage. He needs more fibre: green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, wholegrains, pulses and nuts.

A diet with all the essential nutrients, roughage and water in the right amount for proper growth is called a balanced diet: not too much, not too little of anything. But we do not all need the same food. The type and amount of nutrients needed differ with age, gender, physical activity, health and lifestyle.