The correct option is (c).
Explanation
A balanced diet involves not only the selection of diverse food groups but also the adoption of specific food preparation methods that enhance nutritional quality, digestibility, and bioavailability of nutrients.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: Fermented foods such as idlis and dosas are highly nutritious. The process of fermentation increases the bioavailability of nutrients and enriches the food with vitamins, particularly the B-complex vitamins. It also improves digestibility.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: A combination of flours, such as in missi roti or thepla (often a mix of cereals and pulses), is not devoid of nutritional value. On the contrary, combining cereals and pulses improves protein quality by providing a complete profile of essential amino acids (mutual supplementation), making it highly nutritious.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Sprouted seeds like moong and Bengal gram are excellent sources of nutrients. Sprouting increases the content of vitamins (especially Vitamin C), enhances protein digestibility, and reduces anti-nutritional factors, making minerals more bioavailable.
Key Takeaway:
Food processing techniques such as fermentation, sprouting, and combination (mixing cereals and pulses) significantly enhance the nutritional value and protein quality of a diet.