Medu does not eat vegetables but enjoys biscuits, noodles and white bread. He often has stomach ache and constipation. What changes should he make in his diet to get rid of these problems? Explain your answer.
Medu should include green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains, pulses, and nuts in his diet.
These foods are rich in dietary fibres (roughage). Dietary fibres help the body get rid of undigested food and ensure smooth passage of stools.
His current diet of biscuits, noodles, and white bread lacks fibre, which causes stomach ache and constipation.
Including vegetables and fruits will provide both roughage and essential vitamins and minerals for overall health.
Explanation
The chapter explains in section 3.2 that dietary fibres (roughage) do not provide nutrients but are essential for helping the body get rid of undigested food and ensuring smooth passage of stools. Green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains, pulses, and nuts are good sources of roughage. The chapter also mentions that junk foods like potato wafers contain very low amounts of dietary fibre. Medu's symptoms of stomach ache and constipation are directly linked to insufficient fibre intake.
Solution Steps
Medu should include green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains, pulses, and nuts in his diet.
These foods are rich in dietary fibres (roughage).
Dietary fibres help the body get rid of undigested food and ensure smooth passage of stools.
His current diet lacks fibre, which causes stomach ache and constipation.
Vegetables and fruits provide roughage, vitamins, and minerals for overall health.