Functions, sources and daily requirements of carbohydrates and fats

Functions, sources and daily requirements of carbohydrates and fats:

Carbohydrates:

Functions:

1.     Provide energy for work.

2.     Produce heat.

3.     Help in metabolism of fats and proteins.

Cellulose (fibre) a type of carbohydrate prevents, constipation

Sources:              

Cereals        :  rice, wheat, jowar, maize, ragi.

Sugars        :  White sugar, jaggery, honey, glucose.

Root vegetables    :         Potato, sweet potato, tapioco.

Fruits          :         Banana, jackfruit, mango etc.

Recommended dietary allowance (RDA) is 1 gram of protein per kg of body weight.

Deficiency:

' Marasmus' is a deficiency condition in which the child is small, very thin, with no fat under his skin and with muscles wasting. His face is so thin that he looks like a little old man. He is only about half the weight that he should be for his age. His mid-arm circumference is much less than 14 cm. He may have chronic diarrhea.

The cause of marasmus may be

1.     Loss of mother

2.     Lack of breast milk.

3.     Bottle feeds

4.     Recurrent diarrhoea,

The child with marasmus needs sufficient food.

Fats:

Functions:

1.     It acts as a concentrated energy source.

2.     It helps in absorption of fat soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E and K).

3.     It makes food tasty and satisfies the appetite.

4.     Fat stored in the body protects one from cold and is a reserve source of energy.

5.     It gives energy and heat to the body.

Sources:

1.     Sesame oil.

2.     Sunflower seed oil

3.     Cottonseed oil

4.     Soyabean oil.

Other sources:

1.     Groundnut oils, coconut oil, mustard oil.

2.     Vanaspati, butter, ghee, cheese, milk, curds, fish and fatty meat.

Deficiency:

Deficiency of fats leads to dry skin (toad skin).