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| Sunday, 15 May 2005 |
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Junior Observer |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Going up the food pyramid
Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals are the necessary components that should be included in your diet. Have you heard of the food pyramid? This shows the importance of each of these components and how much food from each group has to be consumed. Carbohydrates are at the base of the pyramid. Foods such as rice, bread, whole grain food, cereals and pasta come under this group. They provide us with the energy to carry out our work and is therefore very important. Excess amounts of carbohydrates are stored in our bodies and are burnt when we need energy. Vitamins are on the next step. Fruits and vegetables contain a lot of different vitamins and minerals which protect our bodies from diseases and keep us healthy. More vegetables than fruits should be eaten as fruits also contain higher degrees of sugar, than vegetables. The third step on the pyramid comprise proteins, which help the growth of muscles and replace dead tissue. Protein foods can be divided into two separate groups: milk and beans, and eggs and meat. Dairy foods also contain vitamins and minerals beside proteins. It is better for you to consume more food from the dairy group and less from the meat group; however, both are essential for our bodies. Fats come at the very top of the pyramid along with sugar. Both are not essentially bad for our bodies, but should be consumed in moderation. They provide us energy, but too much will make us obese and will lead to a lot of illnesses later in life. As you go up the food pyramid, the intake of food from each step should be lowered. Although this doesn't mean the foods at the bottom are more important than the ones on top, your body can take more of those at the bottom. The amount you should eat from each group also differs and depends on your lifestyle, among other factors. If you are an active person, you will need to eat more than an inactive person. Always keep in mind that all these food groups play a vital role inside your body and all are essential for you to be healthy and strong. |
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| Politics | Produced by Lake House |
Do you enjoy a balanced diet? As children, a balanced diet is
absolutely essential during the growing years. Good food provides you with
the energy to study and play, and helps the growth of bones and muscles.
