What Are the 7 Basic Food Substances? Complete Biology Notes

In biology, food substances are classified into seven basic groups that are essential for the human body to function properly. These include carbohydrates, proteins, fats and oils, vitamins, minerals, fibre, and water. Each of these plays a specific role in our body, from providing energy to supporting growth, immunity, digestion, and overall health. Understanding these

I’m writing about this topic because I have often noticed that many school students learn food groups only as a list without fully understanding what each group does or why it matters. For example, students may memorise “carbohydrates give energy” but may not understand which foods provide it or how a lack of vitamins can affect immunity. I feel it’s important to simplify these ideas with examples and explanations. This topic is also very useful in biology for exams like NEET, school boards, and general knowledge, especially when questions about balanced diets or deficiency diseases come up.

What Are the 7 Basic Food Substances?

Each of the seven basic food substances has a unique function in our body. Here’s a detailed look at them:

1. Carbohydrates – The Main Energy Source

Carbohydrates are the body’s primary source of energy. They are broken down into glucose, which fuels body cells.

Sources:

Rice, wheat, maize, bread
Potatoes, bananas, sugar

Types:

Simple carbohydrates: sugars
Complex carbohydrates: starches and fibres

Function:

Provide quick energy
Excess is stored as fat

2. Proteins – For Growth and Repair

Proteins are the building blocks of the body. They help in the growth of cells and repair of damaged tissues.

Sources:

Eggs, milk, fish, meat
Pulses, soybeans, nuts

Function:

Build muscles and tissues
Help in the production of enzymes and hormones

3. Fats and Oils – For Energy Storage

Fats provide more than double the energy of carbohydrates but are also stored in the body for future use.

Sources:

Butter, ghee, oils
Nuts, seeds, cheese

Function:

Insulation and protection of organs
Absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)

4. Vitamins – For Body Functioning

Vitamins are required in small amounts but are essential for body functions like immunity, eyesight, skin health, and blood clotting.

Types:

Fat-soluble: A, D, E, K
Water-soluble: B-complex, C

Sources:

Fruits and vegetables
Milk, eggs, fish

Function:

Each vitamin has a specific role. For example, Vitamin C prevents scurvy and Vitamin D helps in calcium absorption

5. Minerals – For Strength and Metabolism

Minerals are inorganic substances needed for various metabolic functions and bone strength.

Examples and Sources:

Calcium (milk) – for bones and teeth
Iron (green leafy vegetables, jaggery) – for haemoglobin
Iodine (iodised salt) – for thyroid gland function

6. Fibre (Roughage) – For Digestion

Fibre is not digested by the human body but is crucial for maintaining healthy digestion.

Sources:

Whole grains
Fruits and vegetables
Bran, pulses

Function:

Helps bowel movement
Prevents constipation
Maintains a healthy gut

7. Water – The Essential Medium

Water makes up about 60–70% of the human body. It’s not only essential but also often ignored in discussions about food.

Functions:

Regulates body temperature
Helps in digestion and circulation
Removes waste through urine and sweat

Sources:

Drinking water
Fruits like watermelon and cucumber
Juices, soups

Why Are These Food Substances Important?

Our body is like a machine, and these food substances are the fuels and tools that keep it running. A lack or imbalance of any of these can lead to diseases. For example:

Lack of protein can cause kwashiorkor
Vitamin A deficiency leads to night blindness
Iron deficiency results in anaemia
Lack of fibre causes constipation

A balanced diet includes all these seven components in the right proportions. Overeating one and neglecting another can affect health in the long term.

Final Thoughts

The seven basic food substances form the foundation of nutrition. Whether you’re preparing for a biology exam or just want to understand what makes a healthy diet, knowing these basics is very useful. Next time you eat, take a moment to think about what category each food belongs to. This simple understanding can help you stay fit, study better, and avoid common health issues.

NCERT Class 12 History Chapter 4: Cultural Developments PDF Notes and Download Link

Chapter 4 of the Class 12 History NCERT book—Cultural Developments—focuses on the religious, philosophical, and cultural growth in ancient India. This chapter mainly revolves around the rise of Buddhism and Jainism, the role of Brahmanical traditions, and the importance of Vedas, Upanishads, and early texts. It also talks about how these ideas spread across different

Chapter 4 of the Class 12 History NCERT book—Cultural Developments—focuses on the religious, philosophical, and cultural growth in ancient India. This chapter mainly revolves around the rise of Buddhism and Jainism, the role of Brahmanical traditions, and the importance of Vedas, Upanishads, and early texts. It also talks about how these ideas spread across different regions and how art, architecture, and language evolved alongside these belief systems.

I chose to write about this chapter because it helps students see how India’s rich and diverse culture didn’t come from one single idea or group, but from many sources—some questioning, some continuing, and some completely new. Understanding this chapter is important because it shows how people in ancient India debated ideas openly and how religion and philosophy were connected to everyday life. I personally find it interesting that even thousands of years ago, there were schools of thought that believed in non-violence, equality, and individual thinking. Whether you’re preparing for exams or just curious about how our culture took shape, this chapter gives a solid foundation. That’s why I feel it deserves a proper breakdown and explanation.

Cultural Shifts in Ancient India

Between the 6th century BCE and 6th century CE, India went through major religious and cultural changes. This was the time when many thinkers started questioning the authority of the Vedas and the rigid caste system. As a result, new religions and ideas started emerging.

Key Highlights of Cultural Developments

Brahmanical Traditions: Based on Vedas and rituals, this was the dominant system. Priests had a central role in performing yagnas and sacrifices.
Upanishads: These were philosophical texts that went beyond rituals and focused on deeper questions like the meaning of life, soul (atman), and the universe (brahman).
Rise of Jainism: Founded by Mahavira, Jainism believed in non-violence, karma, and simple living. It rejected the caste system and rituals.
Emergence of Buddhism: Started by Gautam Buddha, this religion also rejected rituals and believed in the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
Sangha and Monastic Life: Both Jain and Buddhist monks formed communities (Sanghas) and spread their teachings across India and beyond.
Art and Architecture: Stupas, viharas, rock-cut caves, and temples were built during this period. They were not only religious spaces but also cultural centres.
Language and Literature: Sanskrit, Pali, and Prakrit were the main languages. Many religious and philosophical texts were written in these languages.

Role of Debate and Dialogue

One interesting part of this chapter is how open intellectual debates were during this time. Kings supported scholars from different backgrounds. For example:

Ashoka supported Buddhism and sent missionaries to Sri Lanka and other places.
Kanishka, a Kushana king, supported the spread of Mahayana Buddhism.
Jain texts like Angas and Buddhist texts like Tripitakas recorded teachings and sermons, preserving the knowledge for generations.

This freedom to express and debate made India a vibrant centre of knowledge and cultural mixing.

Timeline of Cultural Developments

Period	Key Events
6th century BCE	Rise of Mahavira and Buddha
3rd century BCE	Ashoka’s rule and spread of Buddhism
1st century BCE – 1st century CE	Growth of Jain texts, Mahayana Buddhism
2nd century CE	Kanishka’s patronage of Buddhism
4th–6th century CE	Gupta period: revival of Brahmanical traditions and temple construction

Cultural Symbols and Art

Art during this time was deeply linked with religion but also carried cultural messages:

Stupas like Sanchi and Bharhut show scenes from Buddha’s life
Cave temples like Ajanta and Ellora show Buddhist and Hindu art side by side
Temples started developing distinct architectural styles (Nagara and Dravida)
Sculptures of Yakshas and Yakshinis show folk beliefs