Do You Know What the 5 Food Groups Are?

Healthy eating is very important. It keeps your body and emotions in top condition, can help influence children to follow suit and can work to keep your life in balance. There are 5 main food groups which if not eaten in the right proportions can lead to your health and emotional well being suffering. While people have the right to eat what they want, those who eat nothing but cakes and sweets and greasy burgers will end up causing serious damage to their body inside and out.

Grains and Cereals

This should be the food group you eat the most of. Grains and cereals include bread, pasta, rice and cereal. They provide carbohydrates to power your body along with essential vitamins and minerals. While it is best to eat wholegrain foods in this group, if you cover any grains and cereals in oily or yoghurt sauce or bread with butter for example then their health properties can be counterbalanced.

Fruit and Vegetables

The next biggest food group you should consume is fruit and vegetables. Full of vitamins and minerals as well as carbohydrates and fibre, fruits and vegetables should be consumed as often as possible. While these are low in calories and fat, you must try to eat them fresh or dried where possible. Fruit juices and frozen vegetables often contain hidden sugars and not as good for you as fresh or dried fruit and vegetables.

Dairy

Dairy is again a good source of vitamins and minerals, but are a key source of calcium. Calcium is needed to build strong bones and teeth. Some dairy products like cheese, cream, and in particular ice cream, are high in fat. So eating dairy should be done in moderation. Low or reduced fat versions like skimmed milk are a useful alternative to full fat, and for some people who cannot tolerate the lactose found in dairy products can go for lactose free products. Soy milk is a tasty, alternative to cow's milk.

Protein

The food group you should eat the second least of is protein. Protein is found primarily in meats and eggs but can also be got through eating beans, lentils and other pulses. It is another source of vitamins and minerals but its special skill is building muscles. Meat products are generally high in fat, so choosing leaner cuts of meat and cooking them on a grill can reduce extra fat. Pulses are low in fat and high in fibre so are arguably a better source of protein. One other option that some people take it to include additional supplements such as omega 3 capsules to their diet. These fish oil supplements are taken in addition a healthy eating regime. They are very popular and are widely sold online and via health food stores.

Fat and Oils

While fat is an essential part of your diet, this is the food group you should eat the least. There are good fats and bad fats. Some are empty calories with few health benefits, while others are completely essential for your body; to regulate your insulin level; to metabolise sugars; and to lubricate your blood vessels and help your brain function properly. Eating fats and oils in moderation is the key to healthy eating.

Sam Qam is a nutritional supplement retailer specialising in omega 3 capsules and other fish oil supplements. He has been selling these products online for a number of years.

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