Energy is needed for the functioning of body. Food is the main source of energy supplement. Nutrients supply energy which are present in the food. The nutrients, which supply the major part of the energy to the body are carbohydrates and fats about 85% to 90% and a small part of energy supply is by proteins which is about 10%.

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Energy is needed for the functioning of body. Food is the main source of energy supplement. Nutrients supply energy which are present in the food. The nutrients, which supply the major part of the energy to the body are carbohydrates and fats about 85% to 90% and a small part of energy supply is by proteins which is about 10%.

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Frequent occuring of infectious diseases does affect the nutritional status of a person. Such as in bacterial infection there is increased requirement of proteins and other nutrients. In viral infections a person also develops protein calorie malnutrition; parasitic infections causes anemia and depletion of protein reserves.

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The energy values can be determined by various ways such as-
*Calorimeter –This equipment gives an idea about the potential energy of the food.
*Water –Energy value of food is also affected by water or by moisture content of food as food having large percentage of water content has a low caloric content.
*Fats—Energy content of food varies with their fat content; foods with high fat content have a high-energy value.
*Food preparation of processing- It also affects the energy value of foods as any change in the composition during processing or preparation affects the calorie content of the food product.

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Malnutrition denotes an undesirable kind of nutrition leading to ill health. It results in lack, excess or imbalance of nutrients in diet. Under nutrition is a state of an insufficient supply of essential nutrients. Over nutrition refers to an excessive intake of one or more nutrients, which creates a stress in the bodily function.

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Good health depends upon the body condition and for good health adequate nutrition is necessary, which means the supply of the essential nutrients should be in proper amount and proportion. Thus adequate nutrition helps to keep the physical and mental health of the body in a good condition throughout the life.

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Adequate nutrition not only implies freedom from disease but also helps to improve physical and mental health as well. Hence nutritional care provides the use of nutritional knowledge in planning meals and in the preparation of these meals. It also involves assessment of the existing meal patterns and improving this in an acceptable manner. It is also planned according to the individual’s needs and background. Thus for a good health, nutritional care is necessary for each and every person.

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