What are classes of food?
Food gives our body the materials it needs to grow, stay warm and stay healthy. Scientists group food into seven classes based on the nutrients inside them. Learning these classes helps us choose meals wisely.
- Carbohydrate — the main source of energy. Found in rice, bread, noodles and potatoes.
- Protein — used to build and repair body cells. Found in fish, eggs, meat and beans.
- Fat — stores energy and keeps the body warm. Found in butter, oil and nuts.
- Vitamin — needed in small amounts to keep the body working properly. Found in fruits and vegetables.
- Mineral — such as calcium for strong bones and iron for healthy blood.
- Fibre — helps food move through the gut and prevents constipation. Found in vegetables and wholegrains.
- Water — makes up most of our body and carries substances around.
Key idea
Carbohydrate, protein and fat give energy and materials. Vitamin, mineral, fibre and water keep the body running smoothly but do not all supply energy.
Energy from food
Carbohydrate and fat are the two main energy foods. Fat stores about twice as much energy as the same mass of carbohydrate. Protein can also be used for energy when needed, but its main job is building the body.
Example
A plate of rice with fried fish and green vegetables provides carbohydrate (rice), protein (fish), fat (cooking oil), plus vitamins, minerals and fibre from the vegetables.
Remember
- There are seven classes of food.
- Only carbohydrate, protein and fat supply energy.
- Vitamins and minerals are needed only in small amounts.