Classification And Function Of Food

Classification And Function Of Food

Classification of foods.
Answer.

• Food is vital for human existence just as air and water.
• Food may be defined as anything eaten or drunk, which meets the needs of tissue building, regulation and protection of the body and its energy needs.
• Food is the raw material from which our bodies are made.

Food Classification by Nutrients: Proteins, Carbs, Fats, and More

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Classification Of Food

• Based on its origin
  • Foods of animal origin
  • Foods of vegetable origin

Based on Chemical Composition

• Proteins
• Fats
• Carbohydrates
• Minerals
• Vitamins

Based On Its Function

• Body building foods – amino acids, proteins
• Energy giving foods – carbohydrates (wheat, rice)
• Protective foods – vitamins and minerals (vegetables)

Food Classification by Nutrients: Proteins, Carbs, Fats, and More

Based On Nutrition Value

Five Food Group System

• Cereals and millets
• Pulses and legumes
• Milk, milk products and meat
• Fruits and vegetables
• Fats and sugars

The Role of Food in Body Function and Health

Based on their functions, foods are grouped into energy-yielding foods, body-building foods and protective foods.

• Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins release energy through metabolism in our bodies.
• Cereals like rice, wheat, ragi, and maize, roots and tubers like potato, sweet potato, and tapioca are good sources of carbohydrate. Fats are a more concentrated source of energy.
• Proteins are considered body-building food even though they can supply energy as well. Protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and water are body-building nutrients.
• Protein foods like milk, meat, fish, eggs, pulses, grams, and nuts are essential to build our tissues and to form blood. Our body functions are regulated by water, minerals, and vitamins. They are called the protective foods. Water is necessary for various body processes.
• Vitamins are essential for regulating the body processes such as growth, muscular coordination of various organs, and functions of several organs like the eyes, ears, nose, and skin.
• Minerals like Ca help in controlling blood clotting, muscular contraction, and for efficiency of heart muscles. Iron is essential for blood formation. Iodine is necessary for regulating body functions through the thyroid gland.