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calcium, sodium, potassium and iodine. The rich sources of minerals are fruits, green
leafy vegetables, whole grains, cereals, jaggery and milk.
Water
Water is an essential element of our food. Water is not a nutrient but we cannot
survive without it. Water is needed by our body for healthy growth. About 70% of our
body is composed of water. Water also regulates the body temperature. It is a very
good solvent for many minerals and vitamins.

Roughage
Roughages are the fibrous food. They help our body to get rid of undigested food. The
rich sources of roughage are fruits, vegetables and sprout.

Balanced Diet
A balanced diet means a proper diet. The food we eat should be consists of all the
nutrients in correct amount to call it a balanced diet. Balanced diet helps us to be
healthy and fit. Different age groups need different types of food. Growing children
need more of growing body building food like vitamins and minerals. Old people
should eat light food. People doing heavy work need more energy giving foods.

Diseases

Diseases are the abnormal condition in the body. People who are infected with a
disease would not be able to function properly. Diseases may occur due to:
1. Deficiency of a particular nutrient in body.
2. Malfunctioning of a particular part of body.
3. Infections caused by microorganisms.

Diseases caused by lack of Nutrients

Some of the diseases are caused by deficiency of a particular nutrient in our body.
Such diseases are called deficiency diseases, e.g., night blindness, scurvy, rickets, etc.
The disease which cannot be transmitted from person to person is called non-
communicable disease.

Communicable Diseases

The diseases which can spread from one person to another are called as communicable
diseases. They transfer through a living or non-living agents.
Communicable diseases can be caused by pathogens or microorganisms like bacteria,
virus, protozoa and fungi.

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