Do you know what the food groups are based on their function? Undoubtedly, the nutrients that make up our dishes have different actions in the body. If you want to know more, this article is for you.
Similarly, identifying which substances we ingest on a daily basis is a tool we can use to preserve health, treat and prevent diseases of metabolic origin, among other benefits. Improvements in meal plans come from diet knowledge.
What are the food groups?
Each food contains one or more nutrients, so we can identify carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals in them. In addition, they also supply water in varying quantities which is vital for the body.
Therefore, in some, some components prevail over others, which is why international and national food guides have determined groups for the best classification and are as follows:
- Milk, yoghurt and cheese.
- Meats and eggs.
- Fruits and vegetables.
- Oils, nuts and seeds.
- Legumescereals, potatoes, bread and pasta.
- Sweet and fat.
What function does food have?
various studies they suggested it the nutrients that make up our diet have energy, plastic and tonic functions. Likewise, they also state that to achieve optimal nutritional status, the diet must be varied. Let’s see more details below, according to the groups.
Foods with energy function
Energy is the fuel the body needs to live. All metabolic processes require it. Indeed, the actions we perform on a daily basis, such as walking, moving and breathing, are some examples.
It is clear that the way to get it is through the consumption of food. Specific, those that have this function are the ones that supply carbohydrates, such as legumes, cereals, potatoes, pasta and sweets. After ingestion, the body digests them and absorbs them as glucose, which is the main fuel.
Fats also have this effect, providing twice the calories of carbohydrates.. So oils, nuts, egg yolks and seeds are also energetic. The latter release their own fatty acids when they are ground or in their version in oil.
Food with a plastic function
The plastic function of food refers to their ability to form cellular structures and tissues. Those that possess this power are those that contain protein, such as meats, dairy products, and egg whites.
This nutrient is rich in amino acidssome of which are called essential because they cannot be produced by the body and must be supplied through the diet. Besides being essential in structural synthesis, they have several actions.
Foods of animal origin are those that stand out for their protein content, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get them through vegetables. Indeed, there is trial which demonstrates that grains, legumes, and nuts contain the nutrient in significant amounts.
Those who follow a vegan diet or vegetarian They can cover their daily recommendation under the advice of a professional specialized in this matter. Tissue formation is a vital process that should not be overlooked and requires adequate amounts, even within a restrictive non-animal diet.
regulatory or protective function
This function is determined by the action of vitamins, minerals, anti-inflammatory substances and phytochemical compounds (active products produced by plants). The foods that contain them are fruits, vegetables and greens.
However, we can find some in other sources as well, such as iron in meat and legumes, as well as vitamin A and D in dairy products. THE daily needs they are minor compared to other net nutrients, but no less important.
Indeed, the substances mentioned play an important role in the body because they act in various metabolic processes. Thus, some prevent cellular oxidation and repair the skin (vitamin C and E), others supplement the tissues (calcium in bones and teeth) and even promote cellular reactions (zinc and magnesium).
Food groups based on their function: what to remember?
The combination of the different food groups ensures the availability of nutrients. If we follow a varied and balanced diet in proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals, we will contribute to overall health.
In addition to having healthy habits, it is advisable to avoid toxic substances, such as alcohol and cigarettes. Similarly, an active and non-sedentary life accompanies the processes that the substances in the diet must carry out in the body.
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