a) Describe the selected food model and describe its nutritional principle.
b) A brief description of the various diet related diseases (either due to excess or deficiency of specific nutrients. Include direct and indirect costs to the community (gov't).
d) How effective is the chosen food model? Consider the strengths and weaknesses of the food model criteria.
The healthy eating pyramid is a visual representation of the ideal selection of foods according to the proportions in which they should appear in our diet. Using the dietary guidelines as a base, the healthy eating pyramid is formed in the shape of a pyramid, the base of which is formed by foods we should eat of most. Forming the mid-section of the pyramid are the foods that should be consumed moderately with the small apex at the top indicative of the foods that one should eat of less frequently. .
Foods from the "eat most" section of the Healthy Eating Pyramid consist of breads, cereals, fruits, vegetables, dried peas, beans and lentils. It is recommended to eat most of these foods as not only are they generally low in fat but they provide an excellent source of dietary fibre, vitamins and minerals and do not contain a lot of sugar. Cereals usually enrich the diet with complex carbohydrates, dietary fibre and minerals. Nutritionists recommend wholegrain over refined cereals because of the additional complex carbohydrates, dietary fibre and B group vitamins. The consumption of a variety of fruits is linked to Vitamin C in citrus fruits and Vitamin A in yellow and orange fruit and vegetables. Dried peas, beans and lentils also contain some carbohydrates and supply the body with plenty of protein, fibre and minerals. Fibre content aids in lowering the blood cholesterol.
Foods forming the "eat moderately" section of the healthy eating pyramid include lean meant, eggs, fish, chicken, nits and dairy products. These foods are renowned for its abundance of protein and calcium assisting muscle repair and body tissues.
