Fibre in the diet protects against digestive disorders by keeping the system clean. We need about 11g of fibre per day for a healthy digestive system. Like proteins, fats are made from smaller units, called fatty acids. The way in which the acids form compounds determines whether they are saturated, monounsaturated or polyunsaturated. Saturated fats come mainly from animal sources and include lard and butter and also a few plant sources such as palm oil.
Vegetable fats tend to be unsaturated.
Monounsaturated fats include oils such as olive oil and groundnut oil. Polyunsaturated oils include sunflower oil. Vitamins Vitamins are micronutrients that cannot be synthesized by the body in sufficient amounts for health. Therefore we must ensure an adequate supply in the diet. Vitamins in food must be looked after carefully otherwise they will be lost.