A Guide to Nutrition – How to See Food As Part of Your Diet

Food is any substance eaten to supply the body with nutrients. The basic function of food is to provide the body with the substances it requires in order to survive. Generally speaking, food is of animal, plant or fungi origin, and has necessary nutrients, including proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins or minerals. There is a wide range of food types that the body requires to survive. Animal protein is used by the body to form tissues such as skin, hair, eggs and milk.

Animal foods are rich in dietary fibre, which is responsible for providing energy to the body by delaying the absorption of dietary fat into the body. Plants contain lots of fibre and are therefore recommended dietary fibre for the health of the body. Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, which prevent damage to the body by free radicals, thereby preventing diseases. Milk and dairy foods have high levels of calcium and potassium, which provide the body with the necessary nutrient for strong bones and teeth.

There are two main groups of nutrients in food: carbohydrate and fat. Carbohydrate food provides energy to the body, whereas fat supplies the body with the substances it needs to function normally. Therefore, you can see food is grouped into three categories depending on the type of fat contained within them. The three main food groups are: