Question

The component of food necessary for growth is called
(a) Nutrition
(b) Nutrients
(c) Food
(d) None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: All living beings need nutrients to obtain energy and other materials. These help us to grow and develop. The major nutrients in our foods are carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Complete answer:
Nutrients are the essential components of food. They are important for life and health. They are essential to perform all daily and metabolic activities. Nutrients provide energy, building blocks for repair and growth, and are necessary to carry out chemical processes in the body. The requirement for this material is fulfilled in different ways. Some organisms use inorganic sources (carbon dioxide and water) whereas other organisms take in complex substances and break down the complex substances into simpler ones to obtain nutrients. Therefore the component of food necessary for growth are called nutrients
- Along with carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals food contains dietary fibers and water which are also needed by our body.
- It is important to eat a wide range of food in order to stay healthy.
- Carbohydrates and fats mainly provide energy to our body. Foods containing these two substances are also called ‘energy- giving foods’.
- For growth and repair of our body, proteins are needed.
- Carbohydrates fats and proteins are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
So the correct answer is ‘nutrients.’

Note: The food we normally eat in a day is our diet. Our diet should have all the nutrients in the right quantities for growth and maintenance of good health.
Along with nutrients, the diet should also contain a good amount of roughage and water. Such a diet is also called a balanced diet.