The Four Food Groups for the vegan
Food is any material eaten to provide nutrition to an organism. Generally, food is of animal, plant or fungi origin, and generally has essential nutrients, including proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, fat, or minerals. The human body requires a varied amount of food, and each person’s body is able to digest and absorb food according to his / her needs. In order for the body to metabolize food, enzymes are used. Enzymes are responsible for the breaking down of complex molecules such as amino acids into simple compounds such as glucose, insulin, and other hormones.
There are six basic food groups, which provide the dietary needs of humans: protein, carbohydrate, fat, vegetable, fiber, and salt. The macronutrients or macro-nutrients are those substances that are necessary in large amounts, but not required in excess. The macronutrients are different than the macronutrient balance or macronutrients balance because they focus on the quantity rather than the quality of the food. In addition, they must be ingested through food.
The human body requires specific nutrients to remain healthy. Some of these nutrients are fat, carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, vitamins, and water. Fat is required to maintain the body’s structure and provides energy; carbohydrates provide energy and control the body’s chemical processes; proteins are the building blocks of tissues and may be used as energy; vitamins are the substances needed to build cells and maintain their normal function; minerals are the substances that contribute to the growth and maintenance of tissues; and salt is the substance that makes water fit for human consumption. Food can be grouped into three major categories, including dairy, grains, vegetables, fruits, meat and other animal products, legumes, oils, nuts and legumes. Each category of food contains various quantities of the nutrients necessary to maintain a healthy body.
Legumes are the most commonly used food in the United States. They are low in calories, yet very rich in nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, and calcium, which are all important to human health. Soy beans, hemp seeds, lentils, Lima beans, chickpeas, edamame (a variety of nut) and other beans are all excellent choices, especially in the low-calorie and low-sugar category. Other edible substances include sugar (in moderation), salt, honey, corn syrup, maple syrup, jams, jellies, and spreads.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are an excellent choice. Because fruits and vegetables are rich in potassium, fiber, vitamins and minerals, they provide energy and nutrients to the body. They can be eaten raw, cooked, juiced, raw frozen, cooked (raw) or in salads. Vegetables are most often eaten raw, although they can be cooked with spices or herbs for added flavor and color. They can also be combined with rice, pasta, or cereal in a stir fry.
Finally, healthy animal meat and dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, ice cream, butter, chicken, fish, and turkey are excellent choices. The best kinds to eat are lean meats, poultry, and fish. Grass-fed and grain-fed dairy products provide the best nutrients. Grass-fed dairy products are free from hormones, antibiotics, growth hormones, antibiotics, and other chemicals found in conventional dairy products.