FOOD GROUPS

Prepared by:-
Mrs. D. Melba Sahaya Sweety Msc Nursing
Pediatric Nursing Department
GIMSAR
 INTRODUCTION
• A food group is a collection of foods that share similar
nutritional properties or biological classifications
• Foods from the basic food groups provide the nutrients
essential for life and growth. These foods are also known as
‘everyday foods’. Each of the food groups provides a range of
nutrients, and all have a role in helping the body function. In
particular, vegetables, legumes and fruit protect against illness
and are essential to a healthy diet.
 e ks a
ICMR
r P Classification
n of Food Groups
eua a d
a l nn
l s ddS
se u
, s MV g
eea
aaagr
nnt es
dd t
pa
gL r b
r eol
CEREALS AND GRAINS
PULSES AND LEGUMES
MILK AND MEAT PRODUCTS
FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
FATS AND SUGARS
 USES OF FOOD GROUPS
• To enable people to select appropriate food item
• To help design a balanced diet
• To provide variety in taste, texture and nutrients in
diet.
• To help person during nutritional counseling
• To design or assess nutrition labels.
• To make nutrition polices and monitor nutrition
program .
FUNCTIONS OF FOOD

Physiological function Psychological Function

 Physiological functions of food
Energy yielding foods :-
• Foods rich in carbohydrates and fats are
called energy yielding foods.
• They provide energy to sustain the involuntary
processes essential for continuance of life , to carry
out various activities.
• The energy needed is supplied by the oxidation
of foods consumed like cereals, roots and tubers,
dried fruits, oils, butter and ghee are all good sources
of energy
 Physiological functions of food
Body building foods :-
• Foods rich in Protein are called body
building foods.
• These foods help to maintain life and
promote growth , they also provide energy.
• Milk, meat, eggs and fish are rich in
protein of high quality. Pulses and nuts are
good sources of protein but the protein is not of
high quality.
 Physiological functions of food
Protective and Regulatory
foods :-
• Foods rich in Protein minerals
and vitamins are called protective and
regulatory foods.
• They are essential for health and
regulate activities such as maintenance
of body temperature , muscle contraction,
 Social functions of food
• Food has always been the
central part of our community,
social, cultural and religious life.
• It has been an expression of
love, friendship and happiness at
religious, social and family get-
togethers .
 Psychological functions of food
• Food is also satisfy certain emotional
needs of human beings . These include
a sense of security, love and
acceptance.
• For example, preparation of delicious
foods for family members is a token of
love and affection.
Thank ‘u’