The Food Pyramid: Myths and Facts

Food has different types of components. These components are carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. If you go deeper, we have minerals and vitamins. The body must take a specific quantity of each. American Association of dietetics has come up with a general eating plan. It gives a detail of the right amount, and the right type of foods. A person can choose the right amount of food and type of it divided into different meals of the day. The food pyramid is a piece of healthy nutrition advice. It directs through a general plan what to eat in one day. Food is required for every age group. So the food pyramid is for everyone. According to experts of coursework writing services, the components of foods are grains, proteins, dairy, protein, fruits, vegetables, and fats. These food sources must be a part of our daily meals. Every type of food is important for the body.

On the whole, this group provides vitamins and minerals which prevent the risk of diseases. Its benefits are for the gut, eyes, skin, hair, nails, bones, and muscles.

Grains and Cereals

Grains and cereals are the base of the pyramid. They are its major part. Most of the foods in the Grain and cereals include wheat, rice, starch, pasta, oats, barley, quinoa, and corn. These foods are rich in complex and simple carbohydrates. The high amount of carbohydrates also makes them high energy providing. These foods provide enough energy for us to move around and do our daily life activities. Other than energy, these foods have minerals and vitamins as well.

The importance of these foods is their fiber content. As they have a high amount of dietary fiber which is good for gut health. It is suggested by the experts, to take 5-6 parts of this group daily. Divide these parts which have a fixed amount of indifferent meals of the day. Taking a healthy range of grains and cereals will keep you healthy and energized.

In case you take more than the needed amount, it will end up pilling up in the body. Later, obesity also becomes evident as the extra carbohydrates in the grains are being stored. If not used in an appropriate amount, these can cause obesity and gastric issues.

It is a myth related to grains that they cause obesity. Generally, people leave out grains and cereals for fast weight loss tactics. But in reality, it is the excess of grains and cereals that cause obesity. If someone is taking out grains from the meal, he is also taking out essential nutrients. Without grains, the brain does not function well.

Fruits and Vegetables.

It comes atop the Grains group. Its place in the food pyramid explains its importance. This food group is a major source of minerals, vitamins, and fiber. It is advised to use 3-5 servings of vegetables and 2-4 servings of fruits. The fiber in this group is not in the other groups. It contains both soluble and insoluble fiber. The vegetables and fruits are colorful by nature. Its color also gives the food some properties. Green fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants. A type of substance that removes toxins from the body. Red color fruits and vegetables are good for the eyes and they have a substance called carotene. It gives them a red and yellow color. Fruits are often rich in Vitamin C, Zinc, iron, and a small number of other minerals. Their taste, color, and texture make them appetizing as well. The excessive use of fruits and vegetables has limited side effects. And the health-promoting roles of this group make it an important one.

Proteins and Dairy

Proteins and dairy are usually considered similar, but in reality they are different. We can get proteins from dairy but in reality, dairy is for minerals. The dairy group contains cheese, milk, and yogurt. Experts recommend taking 2-3 portions of dairy daily. It makes a good choice for the breakfast. Dairy products are the basic sources of calcium, potassium, and phosphorus. These minerals make up the bones and their functions. Children need them for their growing bodies. Older people also have a high need for calcium and phosphorus. A food plan having less dairy can cause bone damage.

Research by a PhD dissertation writing service firm shows that proteins are the basic unit of muscles. They build the main structures of our body. The food sources of proteins are eggs, meat (lean and red), fish, nuts, beans, and poultry. These foods should also be taken in 2-3 portions. Its importance for muscles and energy makes it one of the most important food sources. Proteins also have minerals like zinc. It is a key for the mind and brain. When the brain is developing in gestation, zinc is the first suggestion by physicians.

The most common myth with proteins is that it promotes better muscles. It is the reason why most of the diets are protein-based. Bodybuilders and players also use protein sources, including organic and synthetic. But at the same time, it creates an excess of creatinine. It can load the kidneys. Kidneys may also start to function poorly.

Fats and Oils

The use of fats and oils is not enough because of the myth that they cause obesity. Most people get scared of the fats thinking they will increase the cholesterol. But in reality, fats and oils are both healthy and unhealthy. In the fight for removing bad fats, we also exclude good ones. Good fats are the need of our brain. Brian cells are always in connection with neurons. These neurons need fats and oils for their functions. Two types of fats are being considered including healthy omega 3 fatty acids and omega 6. A considerably low amount of fat is the need of daily life. But excluding it as a whole can cause poor performance in daily life. The sources of good fats can be fish, soy, corn oil, or any other oil with a low oxidation rate.

Conclusion

The food pyramid is a regulatory set of food guidelines. It is easy to understand by the common people. It guides you to take the recommended amount of all foods. You can divide the servings into daily meals. Any diet pattern having an imbalance of consumption can cause health issues.