If you are reading this, you probably want to know how what goes into your mouth affects you. Every food we eat falls into a specific division known as the classes of food. The proper combination of these classes of food is essential for a balanced diet – which is crucial for good health.
Reliance on only one or two classes of food will result in unhealthy eating and lead to malnutrition and other dire consequences. Want to know the different classes of food and find out how a balanced diet can keep the doctor away?
7 Classes of Food
In total, there are seven classes of food you should know. These food classes contain nutrients that the body needs to continuously function properly. They are:
- Protein
- Carbohydrates
- Vitamins
- Fats
- Fibre
- Water
- Minerals
1. Protein
Protein comprises nutrients that play critical roles in the body. As a result, they are called the building blocks (amino acids). Proteins give the body structure, help the body function well, and help regulate its organs. Examples of protein foods are beans, fish, dairy products, eggs, and meat. Protein deficiency leads to a truckload of diseases like Kwashiorkor.
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2. Carbohydrate
Carbohydrates are energy-giving foods. They give your body a lot of energy! Carbohydrates are the main force behind you being able to do work. Without all that energy, you would be too weak to get things done. Carbohydrates are found mainly in grains and vegetables. Long-term deficiency of this class of food can lead to kidney damage and impair physical activities.
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3. Vitamins
Vitamins come in different forms and types. They are substances required by the body for proper functioning and development. Some of the vitamins are – vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin B, vitamin K, and the most common one we know is vitamin C. Lack of vitamins can stifle our body development. You sure do not want that. A good source of vitamin C is orange.
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4. Fats
Fats are sources of energy and fuel in our bodies. They give the body heat in cold weather and protect the body from shock. They make up part of the body and are used to build cells and tissues. Fats are present in meat, oil, nuts, and dairy products. When our body does not have sufficient fats, it could lead to a weak immune system.
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5. Fibre
Fibre is a tricky class of food as it is indigestible by our bodies. It is a type of carbohydrate that is found mainly in plant-based foods. Fibre-rich foods are great for weight loss. If you don’t eat sufficient fiber-rich foods, constipation, and diabetes might be a challenge you’d have to combat. Some fiber-rich foods are bread, legumes, vegetables, fruits, and cereals.
6. Minerals
Minerals are nutrients that aid in some body functions, such as muscle contraction and fluid balance. They are thus crucial for the development of our bodies. Some minerals essential for healthy body development are calcium, iron, zinc, and phosphorus. Deficiency of minerals can lead to various conditions, including diarrhea and loss of vision.
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7. Water
Three days is the maximum our bodies can go without drinking water! Water is that plain and tasteless substance you drink to stay hydrated and alive. It contains hydrogen and oxygen. Even if you don’t take any class of food seriously, don’t ignore water. Water, as they say, is life! Ensure you drink at least four regular-sized bottles of water daily.
Benefits of a Balanced Diet
When you include all the classes of food in your diet, you will have
- A strong immune system to fight off germs and diseases
- Good bones and proper functioning of body organs
- Sufficient body energy and proper body development
- Increased life-span
A balanced diet reduces your chances of getting sick and helps you keep fit. Understanding the different classes of food and their importance can help you choose the best diet and improve your overall health. And yunno, health is wealth!
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