| A mixture of different types of food in the correct
amounts is needed to stay healthy. The main food groups are:
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Carbohydrates - found in potatoes,
pasta, rice, bread, bananas and sugar. Carbohydrate is needed by
our bodies as a source of energy for other life processes. Sometimes
referred to as starch, which is actually just one (very common)
type of carbohydrate. |
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Fats - found in cheese, butter,
cream, margarine and oils. Fats are needed to make cell membranes
and to insulate our bodies. They also contain important fat-soluble
vitamins. |
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Protein - found in meat, fish,
eggs and cheese. Proteins are required for growth and repair. |
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Fibre - found in wholemeal
bread, fruit, vegetables and pulses. The fibre or roughage in our
diet is not digested, but is important because it allows the muscles
in our intestines to move food through our system by peristalsis.
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[ This page has been adapted from
www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science ] |