Healthy Food Sources
Food is any material consumed to provide dietary support for an individual organism. Generally speaking, food is generally of animal, plant or microbial origin, and consists of necessary nutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, or minerals, which are essential to the normal function of the human body. Our body needs certain foods to survive, although most of these foods are provided by the diet that we follow. The major groups of foods that we need include:
Before discussing the food groups, it is important to discuss the sources of the various food substances that we consume regularly. These sources can be categorized into three main categories: animal protein, plant protein and fungi or algae. In the present study session, two specific sources of food substances were investigated: proteins and carbohydrates. The source of the first nutrient was studied on the basis of the type of animal protein used, i.e.
Plant and animal proteins can be divided into several categories, including: vegetable proteins, milk and meat proteins, eggs, dairy products, nuts, and legumes. Fungi or algae foods include: mushrooms, nuts, herbs, vegetables, fruits, seeds, and oils. The first category represents the major food groups; the second class represents the alternative nutrition groups. The third category emphasizes the importance of providing minerals and other nutrients in the daily diet.
When it comes to carbohydrates, the main source of carbohydrate in the diet comes from vegetables, legumes, and whole-grain foods. Milk and meat are the major sources of animal carbohydrates. The main sources of plant carbohydrates are nuts, whole grains, and fruits. The food pyramid has a system of distributing food based on the number of calories that they contain. Therefore, the food sources that are rich in calories are eaten first, followed by those with less number of calories.
A number of food supplements are available for people who are unable to get enough nutrients through their normal food intake. A common supplement is a multivitamin and mineral. Many food supplements contain vitamins and minerals in combination. Thus, you should check the ingredients of the food supplement before buying.
The food pyramid encourages people to eat foods that are rich in carbohydrates, protein, fruits and vegetables, while limiting fats and other nutritionals. It also discourages people from eating too many animal sources such as red meat, eggs, dairy products, and poultry. The balanced diet helps you keep weight within acceptable limits, while helping you maintain a healthy lifestyle.