What is the Nutrition Pyramid? The meaning of the nutrition pyramid for the body

Regardless of age, nutrition is always one of the most important factors for human health. The nutrition pyramid model shows you which food groups need to be added more, which food groups should be limited.

Let’s find out in detail what the nutrition pyramid is, the food groups of the nutrition pyramid through the following article!

What is the Nutrition Pyramid?

In English, the food pyramid is called the Food pyramid, which describes an eating pattern with a structure similar to a pyramid. In this model, it will be divided into 5-6 tiers, corresponding to 5 or 6 food groups that need to be supplemented each day.

The bottom will be the widest to represent the most essential food group of the body, when it is high, it will narrow down to the smallest tip representing the food group that should be limited.

Nutritionists research and build nutritional models to establish a diet that is just enough, suitable for the comprehensive development of a person. Therefore, the nutrition pyramid can be applied to many different subjects from young to old.

nutrition Tower

Food groups of the nutrition pyramid

Normally, the nutrition pyramid will have 5-6 floors, corresponding to 5-6 different food groups including: Starch group, vegetable group, protein group, fat group, salt group, specific sugar:

Starch group

The starch group, also known as the carbohydrate group, is the group located at the bottom of the pyramid, so it is the most essential for the body. Foods in the starch group not only provide energy but also vitamins, fiber and other minerals that help the body function, play, and work all day.

The characteristics of this group are usually low in cholesterol and low in fat, an average of 1 month adults will consume about 12kg of food in the starch group.

Starchy foods are often seen such as: Rice, corn, potatoes, rice products such as vermicelli, noodles, bread, whole grains, …

Starch group

Fruit and vegetable group

Above the starch group is the group of vegetables and fruits, this is also a very essential food group for health, so it is necessary to add a lot in the daily menu.

You can get a diverse source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals from this food group through green vegetables, fresh vegetables, and fresh fruits without having to process too much.

Fruit and vegetable group

Protein food group

The group of protein supplements (protein) ranked third from the bottom, above the group of vegetables and the starch group. In addition to the main protein supplement, this group also provides many other nutrients such as vitamin B12, zinc, iron, good fats, …

The addition of enough protein will help the body be healthier, at any age it is necessary to supplement this substance. Protein-rich foods such as: Meat, eggs, fish, seafood, fresh milk, butter, cheese, …

In addition to animal protein, you can find healthier plant-based protein sources like chickpeas, soybeans, and other bean products.

Protein food group

Fat group

The fat group is above the protein food group and closer to the top of the pyramid, so this is the food group that should be limited. Adding fat to the body will act as a solvent to dissolve other vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K for easier absorption by the body.

You should prioritize using fats made from plants such as olive oil, soybean oil, Gac oil, … because these are healthy fats that are better for the body. However, the body does not have too high a demand for the group of fats, just a small amount is enough.

Fat group

Salt and sugar group

The group of salt and sugar is located at the top of the pyramid, representing the food group that needs the most restriction, which is not good for the body.

Because adding a lot of salt and sugar will easily increase the risk of diseases such as diabetes, kidney stones, high blood pressure, … Accordingly, the recommendation of many experts says that a month should only be consumed about 500g sugar is the maximum to be good for the body.

Salt and sugar group

The meaning of the nutrition pyramid

Building a diet, healthy eating habits and nutritional balance is something that many people always want to aim for. Understanding the nutrition pyramid and based on that will help provide you with information about which food groups should be selected and should be limited.

Thanks to that, the nutrition pyramid will help you orientate to a more reasonable, healthier meal, ensuring good health for yourself and your family.

The nutrition pyramid is also very easy to visualize, simply with images and information about the required amount of food clearly shown, making it easier for us to access.

The meaning of the nutrition pyramid

Above is the basic information about the nutrition pyramid and the food groups in the pyramid. Hope the article will be useful to you!

Source: Vinmec.com

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