Preksha Dhyana Human Body Part 2

Author(s): Jethalal S Zaveri
Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati

Page 41

can cause severe neurological damage. Cadmium (leaking out of water-pipes into drinking water) has been implicated in the development of heart-disease. It is naturally present in wheat but the grain also contains zinc, which prevents the absorption of cadmium. When bran is removed to refine wheat flour, most of the zinc is removed, altering the mineral balance and leaving the cadmium.
A Balanced Diet
Knowledge of complex interaction of nutrients as discussed above help us in choosing a balanced diet and in fostering the development of better nutrition. Whatever the diet may be, it should provide adequate calories to supply the body's energy needs. Carbohydrates (starches and sugars) with some fat are thus essential. Enough protein must be provided for tissue-building and repair--65 to 100 grams of proteins daily intake is recommended for adults. Besides all the necessary vitamins and minerals, the adequate diet should also provide sufficient water and enough fibre to promote good bowel-function.
A variety of foods helps to ensure that all the dietary needs of the body will be met. Each of the major food groups should be adequately represented by one or more members: (a) cereal and grain products (b) milk and milk products (c) fruits and vegetables (d) legumes (beans, peas) (e) nuts and dry fruits.
Caloric Requirement
No matter how inactive one may be, rate of energy. expenditure will not fall below a certain basic value. This is the minimum level of energy expenditure required to maintain the basic cell and body functions-basal metabolic rate (BMR). Energy-consumption will rise sharply when one moves round and does physical work. Energy-consumption is measured in Calories. Just existing at a minimal level, energy-consumption is about 1600 to 1800 Calories a day for man on the average and 1300 to 1500 for a woman.
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