Final answer:
The 5 major food groups essential for a balanced diet are fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, and protein. A variety of foods from each group is recommended to meet the necessary intake of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. MyPlate offers guidance on daily recommended food portions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 5 Major Food Groups
In terms of healthy eating and nutrition, the 5 major food groups are fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, and protein. It's important to include a variety of foods from each group to ensure your diet is balanced and provides all the necessary nutrients for good health. The correct answer to the question is option (a): Fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, protein. Each group contributes a different mix of essential nutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. For example, grains like bread, rice, pasta, and cereal are good sources of carbohydrates and fiber, while dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese provide calcium and vitamins A and D.
To maintain a balanced diet, it is recommended to have several servings from each food group daily. For instance, the grains group should include whole grains or fortified cereal products. The dairy group includes options like low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese, which are great for their calcium and vitamin content.
Understanding the importance of these food groups helps in making careful food choices, which includes considering calories, vitamins, amino acids, fiber, types of fats, and amounts of fat. A handy tool for managing a balanced diet is the USDA's MyPlate, which offers guidance on the types of foods and quantities that should be consumed daily.