Nutritive Values of the Plant Foods

Plants are used as food and also as therapeutic or prophylactic medicines, such plants are called as nutriceuticals. Food is required by the body for energy and as a raw material for growth and maintainance of the body. In the adult life, most tissues are broken down continuously and they are replaced, although some of the material is resynthesised and used again.

Three principal types of food are present which can be used as a fuel like proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Proteins and carbohydrates produce almost same amount of energy i.e 4 calories/gram. Fat produces 9.3 calories/gram. Fat and carbohydrate can be freely consumed but the protein in the diet has to be conserved as a building material.

A diet rich in soy and whey protein, found in products such as soy milk and low-fat yogurt, has been shown to reduce breast cancer incidence in rats. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Along with these three basic components, essential substances which are not synthesised in the body have to be supplied through the diet. These essential substances include vitamins A, C, B-complex which are water soluble and D, K, E which are fat soluble and minerals like copper, zinc, iron, manganese, magnesium, calcium and selenium.

A balanced diet contains all the substances in right proportions like proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. Malnutrition in children arises due to inadequate unbalanced diet. Some of the children die due to improper food and due to fatal infections of lungs, intestine, atrophy etc.

Carbohydrates/Sugars/Starches (Photo credit: sweetbeetandgreenbean)

Tuberculosis is also a serious disease among children. People are unaware of he nutritive values of the plants and they always opt for conventional sources to tackle the malnutrition problems. If fruits and vegetables are taken regularly no child or adult will fall victim of deficiency diseases.