FOOD GROUPS

                                 FOOD GROUPS :

Though there are various criteria for classification of nutrients by the nutritionists for the classification of foods depending upon the objectives of the exercise.

 There are generally two food groups :

• Groups based on functions of food
• Groups based on the consumption of food

1.FOOD GROUPS BASED ON FUNCTIONS :

Foods are requires in the body to provide

• energy.
• promote growth.
• repair worn down body tissues.
• sustain the regulatory processes.

W.R.T functions foods are grouped as :

• Energy giving foods : 1.carbohydrates(e.g.,bead,rice,sugar,honey)   2.fats(butter,vegetable oils)   3.proteins (meat,fish,eggs,pulses)

• Growth & repair : 1.proteins(meat,legumes,milk)  2.mineral elements(fruits,vegetables,salt)

• Protective/regulatory foods : 1.proteins  2.mineral elements  3.vitamins  4.water

2.FOOD GROUPS BASED ON CONSUMPTION ;

Changes dietary habits,life styles and advances in food processing have led nutritionists to develop the food pyramid.Food groups based on consumption are described on food pyramid.

FOOD PYRAMID (w.r.t sedentary adult) :

(graphic description of a healthful diet)

Food pyramid is a graphic description of a healthful diet for a sedentary adult.It consists of six segments representing one food group in each.

Food pyramid is a result of the hard researches of nutritionists and their communication to the graphic designers and communication researchers.
Apex:At the apex,are the recommendations for fats,oils and sweets that should be used in least and less amount.
Below apex:Below this is the meat,poultry,fish,dry beans,eggs,and nuts groups on the left and milk,yogurt and cheese group on the right side.
Even below:Next,below these groups there are fruit group(right) and the vegetable group(left).
Base:The base of the pyramid consists of bread,cereal,and pasta group.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF FOOD PYRAMID:

• Fats are to be used sparingly,dairy and meat groups are to be 2-3 servings,vegetables an fruits groups are to be 3-5 & 2-4 servings,respectively and the breads group are to be 6-11 servings.
• breads group is the major source source of energy.
• this food pyramid is described w.r.t a sedentary adult.

(w.r.f Elements of foof and nutrition by Sir J.A.Awan)