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.
- Milk and milk producer group
- Meat group
- Fruits and vegetable group
- Bread and cereal group
- Tuber group
EVALUATION
- What is food?
- How many classes of food do we have? List them.
- 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:
- Carbohydrates
- Proteins
- Fats and oil
- Mineral salts
- Vitamins
- 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
- How many groups can we classify food?
- 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:
- Food eliminates hunger
- It provides energy for various physical activities
- It enhances growth
- It is a resistance to disease
- Food makes one to recover from illness
- It serves as a source of income
- It is eaten for the purpose of adequate nutrition
- Food makes for healthy living
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