Wendy Nyambura

HEALTH HEALTHY FOOD Sources of Nutrients A Balanced diet is important for the maintenance of good health and healing of diseases. A correct diet should contain a quantity of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables and fruits. The diet containing all these basic food groups is optimum for vigour and vitality. Seeds, nuts and grains These foods contain all the important nutrients needed for human growth. Millet, wheat, oats, brown rice beans and peas are highly valuable in building health. Seeds, nuts and grains are also excellent natural sources of essential unsaturated fatty acids necessary for health. They are also a good source of lecithin and vitamins which help in preservation of health and prevention of premature ageing. Vegetables Vegetables are rich source vitamins, minerals, proteins, dietary fibres and other phytochemicals. There are different kinds of vegetables which include edible roots, stems, leaves, fruits and seeds. Vegetables are grouped into the following ways; Leaves: Spinach beet, cabbage, amaranth lettuce, pot herbs and greens Tuber: potato, yam Seeds: beans, pea Bulbs: onion, garlic, leek Flower and buds: Broccoli, cauliflower Roots: carrot, cassava, beet Fruits Fruits are an excellent source of carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins and enzymes. Fruits are both eaten raw and ripe. Some fruits contain high alkaline properties, a high percentage of water and a low percentage of protein and fats. On cooking they lose portions of nutrients, salts and carbohydrates. Meats Uncompressed, gently cooked meat is one of the most nutritious foods you can eat The following are examples; Lean beef, chicken breast and lamb Dairy Dairy products are a healthy source of various important nutrients e.g., Cheese, whole milk and yogurt. Fats and Oil Many fats and oil are now marketed as health foods. The following are examples; Butternut from grass fed cow, coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil which is one of the healthiest vegetable oils you can find