Orphans and Vulnerable Children - CRIN

Important Food Groups

Handout 1 - Module 3 Topic 2

Energy-giving foods:

Carbohydrates - The main source of carbohydrates in the diet is from staples and sugars.

 Staples or starchesmake up the biggest part of any meal for the majority of the population.

They include maize, matooke, Irish, potatoes, sweet potatoes,

cassava, sorghum, millet, yams, rice and bread. Staples need

to be eaten in combination with other foods to

provide enough nutrients.

 Sugarsare also rich sources of energy, but are

not very nutritious.

 Fats and oilsare rich sources of energy, but

people only need fats in small quantities.

Vegetable oils are obtained from corn, simsim, sunflower, cottonseed, shea butter,

palm oil and margarine. Animal sources of fats include lard, butter, cheese, meat and fish.

Body-building foods:

Proteinsare body-building foods. They are essential for cell growth and support

the functioning and formation of the general structure of all tissues,

including muscles, bones, teeth, skin and nails. Main types

of proteins are:

 Plant proteinsinclude beans and peas, green

grams, groundnuts, soybeans and simsim.

 Animal proteinsare meat, milk (including products

like cheese, yoghurt and fermented milk) and eggs.

Protective Foods:

These foods keep the body working properly and protect

against disease. Fruits and vegetablesare known as

protective foods because they provide vitamins and

minerals that strengthen the immune system. They

supply vitamins and minerals, which are required

by the body for its normal physiological functions.

 Fruits include avocados, mangoes, pawpaws, pumpkin, passion

fruit, pineapple and jackfruit. Oranges, lemons and other citrus fruits are rich sources

of vitamin C.

 Vegetablescontain useful immune substances called beta-carotenes. In many cases,

vegetables are seasonal in availability, quality and prices.

 Vitaminsare vital for the body to function properly.

 Minerals are needed for the functioning of the immune system. Important minerals include

iron, selenium, zinc, iodine, calcium and magnesium.

Guide to Mobilising and Strengthening Community-Led Care for Orphans and Vulnerable Children Appendix 1, Handouts^325