To be healthy, people need to have a balanced diet. That is why we need to eat a variety of foods to give us the ＿＿（20）＿＿ carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, and vitamins we need. Vegetables, containing a great deal of water, are an excellent ＿＿（21）＿＿ of vitamins and minerals. Vegetables also provide fiber, which helps our digestive systems to function properly. Most vegetables contain very little fat. When vegetables are overcooked, the minerals and vitamins in them are ＿＿（22）＿＿ . Vegetables that are ＿＿（23）＿＿ or lightly cooked are more nutritious than those that are cooked for a long time.