It would be great to be able to wear food as a fashion statement. The food industry has responded with some fabulous fashion accessories that have really made the food we eat pop out at different angles. T-shirts with food designs have become a fashion staple for people who are looking for a little extra zing in their style.
Let’s start with animal products – cows, pigs, dogs, cats and other farm animals are eaten for their meat as well as their fat. This is the main source of protein in most diets around the world. But what is also consumed are the by-products and scraps that are left from this food. Fish is a very important source of nutrition but has to be cooked before it is consumed. Meats and offal such as kidneys, tongues and other parts of organs are not eaten by humans because they contain too much fat and are also bad for the digestion.
Vegetables provide plenty of essential fiber which keeps the bowel regular and minimizes the risk of constipation. They can be cooked like normal food and are nutritious enough to make a good snack or part of a healthy diet. The way in which these are cooked makes a big difference – most vegetables are steamed while boiling and some are even fried. Broccoli and asparagus are two examples of vegetables that are both nutritious and tasty.
Fats are a major component of food and most people are aware of the fact that fats provide extra calories that can be converted to weight gain. But there are many other important nutrients in unsaturated fats that should not be overlooked. Some fats are necessary while others should be avoided because they are considered to be fats that contribute to health problems, not only obesity. Some fats are necessary to have a good diet while some should be avoided because they provide no benefit to the body.
Proteins are one of the most important nutrients in food because without it food cannot be digested. There are several kinds of proteins that are consumed in the diet such as beans, nuts, pulses, fish and cereals. Proteins provided in the diet from meat, eggs and milk are rich in amino acids, are easily digestible and provide good value for the money spent on them.
Complex carbohydrates are a group of sugars that provide energy to the body and improve the functioning of the immune system, long term memory and brain function. These carbohydrates are absorbed slowly in the intestines making them easier to absorb nutrients and have a large amount of complex carbohydrates. Some fruits in this group such as pineapple, oranges, mangoes and bananas are perfect sources of complex carbohydrates that include fibers.
A balanced diet needs to contain foods from each of the four food groups. Foods that should be included in the diet consist of vegetables and fruits, lean meats that are free of saturated fats, dairy products and grains. In addition to food groups, nuts are also an important part of a balanced diet. Nuts are filled with protein and good fats and help with the proper functioning of the immune system, cardiovascular system and brain. They are also high in vitamins and minerals like iron, phosphorous and copper.
Legumes are another food group that is recommended in a healthy diet. These legumes are used to add fiber and protein to the diet. To add legumes to your diet, you can use beans, lentils, black beans, chickpeas, Lima beans, green peas, porcini mushrooms and dried fruit. You can find legumes in many different forms like brown rice, whole wheat pasta, pizza and vegetable salad. It is important to add legumes to your diet because they help with constipation, strengthen your kidneys and regulate your cholesterol.