Classes of food &The 6 Basic groups

Meaning of Food

Food is any substance which when taken into the body of living organism is capable of maintaining growth and development. It regulates the body functions and controls harmful or dangerous substances that might enter into the body.

Different Types of Food

	Rice	Eggs
	Garri	Vegetables
	Semovita	Yam
	Bread	Beans
	Tea	Porridge

Basic Food Groups

It is necessary to classify food types into groups. There are five groups.

1. Milk and milk producer group
2. Meat group
3. Fruits and vegetable group
4. Bread and cereal group
5. Tuber group

EVALUATION

1. What is food?
2. How many classes of food do we have? List them.
3. Name some foods you know.

Meaning of Food

Food is any substance which when taken into the body, serves to nourish and build up tissues as well as provide needed energy.

Classes of Food

There are six classes of food, namely:

1. Carbohydrates
2. Proteins
3. Fats and oil
4. Mineral salts
5. Vitamins
6. Water

	Classes of Food	Sources	Functions
	Carbohydrate	yam, garri, cassava, yam flour, maize, wheat, potato	Provides the body with energy
	Proteins	meat, beans, fish, soya beans, eggs, peanuts, cheese, chicken.	For growth and repair of body tissues.
	Fats and oils	palm oils, groundnuts oil, butter, margarine, sardine, pork, egusi oil, cod liver oil	Provides the body with heat and energy for daily activities.
	Mineral salts	milk, meat, liver, cheese, vegetable and sea foods	Proper functioning of the body.
	Water	rain, spring, brooks, vegetables, fruits, beverages and tea	For easy digestion and maintenance of body fluid.
	Vitamins	liver, eggs, fish, oil, citrus, and tomatoes	For protection against diseases.

EVALUATION

1. How many groups can we classify food?
2. What are the functions of classes of food?

Meaning of Food

Food is anything we eat whether solid or liquid that nourishes the body.

Importance of Food

Food is important for the following reasons:

1. Food eliminates hunger
2. It provides energy for various physical activities
3. It enhances growth
4. It is a resistance to disease
5. Food makes one to recover from illness
6. It serves as a source of income
7. It is eaten for the purpose of adequate nutrition
8. Food makes for healthy living