BASIC FOOD GROUPS

We know about the various nutrients present in food and the importance of consuming them in adequate amounts in our diet. If our diet is lacking in any of these nutrients, symptoms of different deficiency diseases are seen. Since the different nutrients are present in a variety of foods, it is important to include various foods in our diet. Only then would our diet be a balanced one. A balanced diet should contain all nutrients in sufficient amounts to meet our body’s requirements as well as provide a little extra for any emergency like an illness. It is easier to select a balances diet if these foods nutrients are divided into some categories. These categories are called food groups. There are various ways of dividing food into various groups. One of the simplest ways is on the basis of functions. 

We get the various nutrients needed by our body from a variety of foods. The foods have been classified into three groups depending on their functions and nutrient content. They are body-building food, energy giving food and protective foods. Therefore, in order to ensure an adequate amount of all the nutrients in our diet, we must eat at least some foods from each of these three groups in each meal daily.

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