One basic food is bread, other cereals and potatoes and the main nutrient for this type of food is carbohydrate, calcium, iron, B vitamins and dietary fibre. The main function of carbohydrate in the body is to provide energy. Dietary fibre is not absorbed but passes through the gastrointestinal tract, helping to keep it healthy before being excreted. The role of calcium is to develop and maintain the teeth and bones. Iron on the other is required to form haemoglobin in the blood and is also a component of many enzymes. B vitamins are …show more content…
The main function of protein in the body is for the growth and repair of the body, with any excess used to provide energy. Vitamin A is required to maintain and repair of tissues which are essential for growth and development and is also important for the immune system to function and help night vision. Vitamin B12 is required to form blood cells and nerve fibres. The role of Vitamin D is to help with calcium and phosphate absorption from food and is essential for healthy teeth and bones.
The fourth food group is meat, fish and alternatives and its main nutrients are iron, protein, B vitamins (especially vitamin B12, zinc and magnesium. Zinc supports the body to grow tissues, immune function and wound healing. Magnesium role for the body is to develop the bone, nerve and muscle function. It also helps in the function of some enzymes involved in energy use. I have already outlined the roles of the other nutrients.
The fifth food is food that contains fats and sugar. It main nutrient is fat, carbohydrate, sugar and vitamin A, D, E and K and some contain salt. Vitamin E helps the body to develop strong muscles and for healthy skin, whereas vitamin K is important in the blood clotting