Food classification according to their function
This form of organization is based on the utility that different types of food give to the body and groups them according to this criterion as follows:
Energetic food
These provide the energy body to perform physical activities (run, walk, do sports, etc.). Some foods included in this group are:- Bakery and pastry products (bread, cookies, muffins, cakes, Budines etc.).
– Pasta.
– Cereals (rice, corn, wheat, etc.).
– Sweets (ice cream, sweets, chocolate, soluble cocoa).
– Honey and sugar.
– Nuts (nuts, hazelnuts, chestnuts, almonds, merey, etc.).
– Snacks.
– Foods in syrup (gelatins, jams, etc.).
Construction or plastic foods
Thus, foods that facilitate cell reparation are described: wound healing and tissue formation (muscles, skin and others). This group includes products such as:- milk and all its derivatives.
– White and red meats.
– Eggs.
– Legumes.
Protective or Regulatory Foods
They are thus called foods that contain vitamins and minerals (also fiber). These are responsible for facilitating the control of our physiological functions and, consequently, help all the organism processes so that they flow normally. Some protective foods are:- fruits
– Vegetables.
– Vegetables.
– Water.
Food classification according to their composition
This classification of food is the most popular of all, since it is the most widespread and is based on grouping food for its chemical composition, whether inorganic or organic substances, according to the following criteria:
Macronutrients
Macronutrients contribute to the body mainly energy, which is essential for many essential functions: conduction of nerve impulses, regulation of body processes and development new tissues (its growth and repair). The body needs a greater amount of macronutrients and less micronutrients, thus remains balanced and working properly. This type of food is found in sugars (including glucose), starch and fiber. The following groups of macronutrients are distinguished:- Glucidics: These substances are organic compounds made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms, although some also contain bioelements such as nitrogen, sulfur and phosphorus. In this group, carbohydrates predominate, which provide high energy value to the body (immediate energy), we are: legumes, cereals and tubers.
– Proteins: Proteins are molecules formed by hydrogen, carbon, oxygen and nitrogen, they can also contain sulfur and phosphorus. Its basic unit is the 9 essential amino acids, whose structural function constitutes the 80 percent of the weight of the cells, in addition to other essential functions for the body: growth and tissue formation, regulates the function of enzymes, among others. We find: meats, fish, shellfish and eggs.
– Lipids: These compounds are hydrogenated carbon chains (water insoluble) and sometimes sulfur, nitrogen and phosphorus. These elements are vital for life, since the plasma membranes of the cells are formed by lipids. Lipids are energy producers and are divided mainly into three types: fats or oils (triglycerides or triacylglycerides), phospholipids and cholesterol esters (whose common ingredient are saturated fatty acids, monoinsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids). Some lipid foods are: oleaginous seeds, oils, mayonnaise, cream, butter, margarine, butter, bacon, almost all sausages.
Micronutrients
Micronutrients mainly help facilitate much of the chemical reactions that occur in the body, but do not provide energy. Its main difference, compared to macronutrients, is that the body requires it but in very small quantities. Micronutrients are:- Vitamins and enzymes: these inorganic substances, although we need them in small quantities, are essential in many metabolic reactions of the organism. These compounds do not generate energy or provide calories. Some vitamins are complex A, B, C, D, E and K.
– Minerals (electrolytes): These inorganic elements fulfill many essential functions in the body: they regulate the activity of some enzymes, facilitate the transport of membrane of essential nutrients, perform structural functions among others. These compounds do not generate energy, or provide calories. Some minerals are calcium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, potassium, etc.
– Water: Water is a colorless, odorless and tasteless liquid, composed of two hydrogen atoms united covalently to an oxygen atom, however, this liquid acquires several kinds of minerals when running through the subsoil or aquifer mantles. Water is considered a nutrient, but it is especially an essential substance for life, since all living beings are mostly composed of water.
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