Question

Paheli avoids eating vegetables but likes to eat biscuits, noodles and white bread. She frequently complains of stomachache and constipation. What are the food items that she should include in her diet to get rid of the problem? Give reason for your answer.

Answer 1

Paheli must include whole grains, whole pulses, fresh fruits and vegetables in her diet to get rid of her problem. These food items contain roughage (dietary fibre) which is lacking in Paheli’s diet. Biscuits, noodles and white bread are made up of refined flour (maida) which does not contain any roughage. Roughage prevents constipation, since it allows the waste matter to move more easily down the lower intestine helping us to get rid of undigested waste.