To perform various vital functions, our body needs energy. Do you know from where does this energy come from? The answer is ‘food’. Food plays an important role in the maintenance of good health and in the prevention and cure of disease. The human body builds up and maintains healthy cells, tissues and organs only with the help of various nutrients. In this lesson, we are going to study about food and nutrition, different types of nutrients and also about balanced diet and dietary management of some deficiency diseases. After reading this lesson, you will be able to:- Explain the definition and functions of food. - Define what is nutrition and different nutrients. - Explain the importance of balanced diet. - Discuss various deficiency diseases and their dietary treatment.