Protective nutrients in a Balanced diet are

Correct option is C

The Correct Answer is Vitamins and minerals
Vitamins and minerals are considered protective nutrients because they help the body fight against diseases, maintain proper functioning of body systems, and support the immune system. These nutrients do not provide energy like carbohydrates or fats, but they are essential for maintaining good health. A balanced diet includes all nutrients in the right proportion, and vitamins and minerals play the crucial role of protecting the body from infections and deficiencies.
Information Booster:
· The body cannot synthesize vitamins on its own, so we must obtain them through natural sources like fruits and vegetables. These are called protective foods.
· For example, leafy vegetables like spinach, cabbage, and brinjal and fruits like oranges and papaya provide essential vitamins and minerals.
· They help prevent diseases such as night blindness (Vitamin A deficiency), rickets (Vitamin D deficiency), scurvy (Vitamin C deficiency), and more.
Examples of vitamins and their deficiency diseases:
· Vitamin A (Retinol): Prevents night blindness
· Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol): Prevents rickets and osteomalacia
· Vitamin E (Tocopherols): Prevents mild anemia in infants
· Vitamin K (Phylloquinone): Helps in blood clotting
· Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): Prevents beri-beri
· Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid): Prevents scurvy
Additional Knowledge:
· Proteins are body-building nutrients that help in growth and repair of tissues.
· Carbohydrates provide energy for daily activities.
· Fats are energy reserves and help in storing energy for future use, but are not classified as protective nutrients.