Page 38 - Viva ICSE Science 5 : E-book

the variety of food in each food group. The food components shown at the bottom
should be included in bulk in our diet. As the pyramid tapers, it becomes narrower and
represents the food we should eat less in quantity. In the pyramid, fruits and vegetables

form the largest part at the base, and junk food forms the smallest part at the top.
Following the pyramid will make our diet balanced, and keep us fi t and healthy.

Importance of eating a balanced diet

• No single food is the best source of all nutrients.

Hence, eating a balanced diet increases the chances
of getting essential nutrients to stay healthy.

• A balanced diet gives our body the strength to fi ght

infections and diseases.
• Together with exercise, a balanced diet helps us

to maintain a healthy body weight. It reduces the
chances of developing a condition called obesity (overweight).

• A balanced diet gives us energy to be active throughout the day. It also boosts our
concentration and performance level.

Ways of making our diet healthy

• Avoid eating fried foods to reduce the amount of fats in your diet.

• Eat a healthy and nutritious breakfast to get energy to remain active throughout
the day.

• Add more fi bre to your diet. Fibre is found in foods like oats, fruits and vegetables. It
helps to digest food easily.

• Add more of whole grain food to your diet instead of refi ned (polished) and packaged
food.

• Include milk and milk products, eggs, and HEALTH ALERT!

meat in your diet to get proteins.
• Avoid adding too much salt, sugar, spices and
Use these Avoid these
oil to your food.
Whole wheat
• Do not overeat or eat outside too often. fl our Maida
• Eat sprouts of wheat, gram, mung, bean and Unpolished or
Polished rice
peas. They promote good health due to their brown rice
high nutrient content.

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