Foods have animal, vegetable or mineral origin.
Food is all the substance used by living beings in order to obtain energy for the functioning of their vital activities.
It is through food that the growth, functioning and regulation of the body occur.
Animal foods
You animal foods are those originating from animal sources. They are present in many people's diets.
They can bring a number of benefits as they are sources of proteins, vitamins and minerals.
Examples
There are countless examples of foods of animal origin. Among them, the following stand out:
- Meat: can be beef, pork, poultry, fish and shellfish.
- Eggs: has a high biological value for the body, providing essential proteins, lipids and amino acids for the body.
- Honey: has antimicrobial action, which prevents growth and destroys microorganisms in the body.
- Milk and derivatives: are considered complete foods, as they have proteins, lipids and carbohydrates that are essential for the body. Furthermore, it is rich in calcium and vitamins.
Vegetable foods
You plant foods are those originating from plant sources. Examples are leaves, roots, stems and fruits.
They are protein sources, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. Therefore, it is recommended that they be included daily in the diet.
Vegetable foods stand out for the possibility of being consumed fresh.
Examples
Examples of plant foods are:
- Olive oil: it is rich in good fats that help reduce the cholesterol high.
- Grains and cereals: oats, quinoa, soy, beans, rice are rich in fiber and nutrients that help the body to function and maintain.
- fruit: foods rich in fiber, vitamins and nutrients that help prevent disease.
- Vegetables and vegetables: Fiber-rich foods with low carbohydrate and calorie content.
Foods of mineral origin
You mineral foods are represented by water and mineral salts.
Water is essential for good nutrition, being an important element for the proper functioning of the body.
Mineral salts can also be found in foods of animal and vegetable origin. They help prevent disease, increase immune defense, bone formation and regulate metabolism.
Examples
Examples of foods of mineral origin are:
- Water: essential natural resource for life. It makes up all the cells in the human body;
- Calcium: provides essential minerals for the formation and maintenance of human body bones;
- Iron: helps prevent anemia and is very important for hemoglobin, which is responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body;
- Magnesium: acts in the body helping to regulate and function of nerves and muscles, in addition to helping control blood sugar;
- Phosphor: it is the second most abundant mineral in the human body, aiding in the molecular formation of DNA;
- Fluorine: it is a mineral that helps prevent cavities;
- Iodine: performs functions that help prevent diseases related to thyroid, infertility, heart problems, among others;
- Selenium: has high antioxidant power, helping to strengthen the system immune;
- Sodium: acts on the body to maintain the pH balance of the blood, nerve impulses and muscle contraction.
Learn more, read also:
- World Food Day
- Food pyramid
- Organic Food
- Nutrients
