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What part of a well balanced diet do Proteins, Fats, Carbohydrates, Minerals and Vitamins play and where are they found? The importance of a well balanced diet is to supply the body with all the necessary nutrients to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. The food we eat is converted into energy and used by the body for all its different functions, not only physical activities but for growth and the constant repair and renewal of tissues and cells. A well balanced diet should have the correct proportions of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and fibre, minerals vitamins and water. This can be achieved by eating wholewheat pasta, wholegrain rice, wholemeal bread, and jacket potatoes these give a good source of energy and fibre, vitamins and minerals. Fats can be found in oily fish , such as mackerel and salmon , dairy products which should be eaten in moderation and olive oil for cooking. Grilled or steamed chicken, turkey or fish with the skin removed provides a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals.. Vegetables, fruits, semi-skimmed or skimmed milk provide fibre, vitamins, minerals and sugars. It is also recommended to drink between one and two litres of water daily this provides fluid and vitamins. Sugar and fats found in cakes, biscuits, and pastries should be kept to a minimum as they provide a lot of calories for little nutritional value.. The intake of caffeine and alcoholic drinks should also be kept to a minimum. Caffeine is found in coffee and cola drinks, taken in large quantities can effect the bodies healing process. Large quantities of alcohol will damage the liver and brain. Over all it is important to enjoy the food we eat and not to give up the food we most enjoy, but to eat everything in moderation. Proteins are required for growth, hair, nails and skin, the repair and renewal of tissues and cells, the production of enzymes and hormones and formation of the blood. During digestion the proteins are broken down into amino-acids, absorbed and carried into the bloodstream before being rebuilt into new proteins to be used as required. Complete proteins have all the essential amino-acids are mainly animal based foods, meat, chicken, white fish, eggs, cheese, milk and Soya beans. Incomplete proteins with one or more essential amino-acids missing are mainly plant based foods, cereals, wheat, rice and oats, pulses peas, beans and lentils and some nuts. This means that the plant based foods (except Soya beans) have less protein value than animal foods. To compensate for this a combination of plant based foods like beans on toast would make up for each others deficiencies and a vegetarian should be aware of this.
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