Diet

Sources: Bread, pasta, rice, potatoes. Importance: Primary source of energy for bodily functions, such as muscle contraction during exercise or maintaining body temperature. Glucose is broken down in respiration to release energy.

Sources: Butter, oils, nuts, fatty fish. Importance: Energy storage, insulation, and protection of organs. They also form cell membranes and are needed for hormone production, like testosterone and estrogen.

Sources: Meat, fish, eggs, beans, lentils. Importance: Growth and repair of tissues, enzyme production, antibody formation.

Sources: Citrus fruits, green vegetables. Importance: Formation of collagen (important for skin, tendons, and ligaments), antioxidant, and boosts the immune system. A deficiency leads to scurvy.

Sources: Sunlight exposure, oily fish, fortified milk. Importance: Absorption of calcium from the gut for strong bones and teeth. A deficiency leads to rickets.

Sources: Dairy products, leafy green vegetables. Importance: Formation of strong bones and teeth, blood clotting, and muscle function.

Sources: Red meat, liver, green vegetables. Importance: Component of hemoglobin in red blood cells, which carries oxygen. Iron deficiency leads to anemia.

Sources: Fruits, vegetables, whole grains. Importance: Adds bulk to the diet, aiding in peristalsis and preventing constipation. Fibre is mostly undigestible plant material.

Sources: Drinks, fruits, vegetables. Importance: Solvent for metabolic reactions, transport of substances, temperature regulation.