FOOD COMPONENTS

   The foods we eat, whether of animal or vegetable origin, can be broadly classified into six main categories: WATER, CARBOHYDRATES, PROTEINS, LIPIDS, VITAMINS, MINERAL SALTS, AND CARBOHYDRATES.     

1. CARBOHYDRATES: These are the body's primary source of energy and include sugars, starches, and fibers. 

     Examples include bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, fruits, and vegetables.

2.    PROTEINS: These are essential for building and repairing body tissues and are made up of amino acids. Examples include meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, and nuts.
3.    LIPIDS: These are important for energy storage, insulation, and cushioning organs and are made up of fatty acids. 
     Examples include oils, butter, margarine, nuts, seeds, and fatty meats.
4.    VITAMINS: These are organic compounds that are essential for maintaining good health and are required in small amounts. 
     Examples include vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K.
5.    Mineral Salts: These are inorganic substances that are essential for various bodily functions and are required in small amounts. 
     Examples include calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and sodium.
6.       WATER: this is the most essential nutrient for life, as it is involved in almost every bodily function, including digestion, absorption, and elimination. 
     It is also necessary for regulating body temperature and is required for the transport of nutrients and waste products throughout the body.

SOME ADDITIONAL FOOD COMPONENTS

·       FIBER: is a type of carbohydrate that cannot be digested by the body but plays an important role in maintaining digestive health, regulating blood sugar levels, and reducing the risk of heart disease. 

     Examples include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts.

·       ANTIOXIDANTS: These are compounds that help protect the body from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals, which can contribute to the development of chronic diseases. 

     Examples include vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, selenium, and flavonoids.

·       PHYTONUTRIENTS: These are bioactive compounds found in plant-based foods that are believed to have health-promoting properties, such as reducing inflammation and lowering the risk of certain cancers.  

     Examples include resveratrol, lycopene, quercetin, and curcumin.

·       PROBIOTICS: These are live bacteria and yeasts that are beneficial for digestive health and are found in fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut.

·       PREBIOTICS: These are types of fiber that feed the beneficial bacteria in the gut and are found in foods such as bananas, onions, garlic, asparagus, and chicory root.

·       ENZYMES: These are proteins that catalyze chemical reactions in the body and are involved in processes such as digestion, metabolism, and immune function. 

     Examples include amylase, lipase, and protease, which help break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, respectively.

·       OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS: Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of fat that is important for brain health, heart health, and reducing inflammation in the body.  

     Omega-3s are found in fatty fish like salmon, as well as in nuts and seeds like flaxseed and chia seeds.

·       CAFFEINE AND THEINE: these are stimulants that can help improve mental alertness and physical performance. 

     Caffeine and theine are found in coffee, tea, chocolate, and some medications.

·       ALCOHOL: Alcohol is a type of beverage that can have both positive and negative effects on health. 

     Moderate alcohol consumption (up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men) has been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, while excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a range of health problems.

I WISH YOU HEALTH

AND WELLNESS