Nourishing substances that help the body to grow are known as nutrients. Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and water are the nutrients required for our growth and development of our body.

Vitamins are nourishing substances. These are called protective foods. We should take them regularly in small quantities. Fruits and vegetables have lots of vitamins in them.

The process of change of food into a simple form that can be easily absorbed by the blood is called digestion. The food we eat passes through the various organs of the digestive system of our body. The digestive juices in the stomach break down food into their constituent components.

Preventing cooked or uncooked food from getting spoiled is called preservation. Salting, dehydrating, boiling are few methods of preservation of food. In dehydrating, water content is completely removed from the food.

Food gives us the energy to do work that keeps us warm, fit, and healthy. It helps us to grow and to repair the damaged cells and tissues. It also contains a variety of nutrients. The substances that are needed by our body for good health and growth are called nutrients.