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Dan_S (School Account)
28/11/2025
Food & Nutrition
Food Groups and what they're for.
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28 Nov 2025
•
Understanding Food Groups and Their Functions
D
Dan_S (School Account)
@dan_s
1 / 9
Food Groups Overview
Your body is like a complex machine that needs different types of fuel to work properly. Just like a car needs petrol, oil, and water, your body requires seven different food groups to function at its best.
These groups aren't just random categories - each one has a specific job that keeps you alive and thriving. Learning about them helps you make smarter choices about what you eat every day.
Quick Tip: Think of food groups as your body's essential toolkit - you need all seven to stay healthy!
The Seven Essential Food Groups
There are seven main food groups that nutritionists and health experts recognise. Each group provides different nutrients that your body can't make on its own.
The complete list includes carbohydrates, fats, proteins, fibres, vitamins, minerals, and water. You've probably heard of most of these before, but understanding what each one actually does is the key to eating well.
These groups work together like teammates - they're all important, and missing one can affect how the others work in your body.
Remember: You need something from each group regularly, not just occasionally!
Fat - Your Body's Energy Bank
Fat often gets a bad reputation, but it's actually crucial for your survival. Think of it as your body's savings account - it stores energy for when you really need it, like during illness or between meals.
Fat also acts like bubble wrap around your vital organs, protecting your heart, kidneys, and liver from damage. Plus, it works as natural insulation to keep you warm when it's cold outside.
The key is eating the right types of fats in reasonable amounts, not avoiding them completely.
Fun Fact: Your brain is about 60% fat, so healthy fats actually help you think better!
Carbohydrates - Your Energy Source
Carbohydrates are basically your body's preferred fuel. When you eat carbs, your digestive system breaks them down into sugars that get absorbed into your bloodstream.
This process gives you the energy you need for everything - from running around with mates to concentrating during exams. Your brain especially loves glucose from carbs to help you think clearly.
Without enough carbohydrates, you'd feel tired, sluggish, and find it hard to focus on schoolwork or sports.
Quick Tip: Choose wholemeal bread and brown rice over white versions for longer-lasting energy!
Protein - Your Body's Building Blocks
Protein is like the construction material your body uses to build and repair itself. Every muscle, organ, and even your hair and nails are made primarily from protein.
During your teenage years, protein becomes especially important because your body is growing rapidly. It helps build new muscle tissue and repairs any damage from exercise or daily activities.
Think of protein as your body's maintenance crew - always working to keep everything in good condition and helping you grow stronger.
Remember: Your body can't store protein like it can fat, so you need to eat it regularly!
Fibre - Your Digestive System's Best Friend
Fibre might not sound exciting, but it's essential for keeping your digestive system running smoothly. It helps keep your bowel movements soft and regular, preventing uncomfortable constipation.
Fibre works like a gentle brush, cleaning out your intestines as food passes through. This process helps your body absorb nutrients better and removes waste more efficiently.
You'll find fibre in fruits, vegetables, wholemeal bread, and cereals - basically, the foods adults are always telling you to eat more of!
Top Tip: Increase fibre gradually and drink plenty of water to avoid feeling bloated!
Vitamins - Your Body's Helpers
Vitamins are like your body's personal assistants - they help with hundreds of different jobs that keep you healthy and functioning properly. There are several types, including vitamins A, B, C, D, and E.
Each vitamin has specific responsibilities. For example, vitamin C helps heal cuts and bruises whilst also boosting your immune system to fight off colds and infections.
Your body can't make most vitamins on its own, so you need to get them from food or sometimes supplements.
Did You Know: Vitamin D is made in your skin when you're in sunlight - another reason to get outside!
Minerals - Building Strong Foundations
Minerals are the construction workers of your body, focusing mainly on building strong bones and teeth. They also help control important body fluids like blood and the water inside your cells.
Calcium is probably the most famous mineral - it's what makes your bones and teeth hard and strong. Iron is another crucial one that helps carry oxygen around your body in your blood.
Without enough minerals, your bones could become weak, and you might feel tired or unwell more often.
Fun Fact: Your bones are constantly rebuilding themselves using minerals from your food!
Water - Life's Essential Ingredient
Water is arguably the most important of all the food groups because you literally cannot survive without it. Your body is about 60% water, and it's involved in almost every function.
Water helps maintain your normal body temperature through sweating and breathing. It also lubricates your joints like oil in a machine and helps break down food during digestion.
Even mild dehydration can make you feel tired, give you headaches, and make it harder to concentrate in lessons.
Stay Hydrated: Aim for about 6-8 glasses of water daily, more if you're active or it's hot!
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Food Groups and Their Functions
D
Dan_S (School Account)
@dan_s
Understanding food groups is essential for maintaining a healthy diet and knowing what your body actually needs. There are seven main food groups that each play unique roles in keeping you energised, growing properly, and staying healthy.
Food Groups Overview
Your body is like a complex machine that needs different types of fuel to work properly. Just like a car needs petrol, oil, and water, your body requires seven different food groups to function at its best.
These groups aren't just random categories - each one has a specific job that keeps you alive and thriving. Learning about them helps you make smarter choices about what you eat every day.
Quick Tip: Think of food groups as your body's essential toolkit - you need all seven to stay healthy!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Seven Essential Food Groups
There are seven main food groups that nutritionists and health experts recognise. Each group provides different nutrients that your body can't make on its own.
The complete list includes carbohydrates, fats, proteins, fibres, vitamins, minerals, and water. You've probably heard of most of these before, but understanding what each one actually does is the key to eating well.
These groups work together like teammates - they're all important, and missing one can affect how the others work in your body.
Remember: You need something from each group regularly, not just occasionally!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Fat - Your Body's Energy Bank
Fat often gets a bad reputation, but it's actually crucial for your survival. Think of it as your body's savings account - it stores energy for when you really need it, like during illness or between meals.
Fat also acts like bubble wrap around your vital organs, protecting your heart, kidneys, and liver from damage. Plus, it works as natural insulation to keep you warm when it's cold outside.
The key is eating the right types of fats in reasonable amounts, not avoiding them completely.
Fun Fact: Your brain is about 60% fat, so healthy fats actually help you think better!
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Improve your grades
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Carbohydrates - Your Energy Source
Carbohydrates are basically your body's preferred fuel. When you eat carbs, your digestive system breaks them down into sugars that get absorbed into your bloodstream.
This process gives you the energy you need for everything - from running around with mates to concentrating during exams. Your brain especially loves glucose from carbs to help you think clearly.
Without enough carbohydrates, you'd feel tired, sluggish, and find it hard to focus on schoolwork or sports.
Quick Tip: Choose wholemeal bread and brown rice over white versions for longer-lasting energy!
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Protein - Your Body's Building Blocks
Protein is like the construction material your body uses to build and repair itself. Every muscle, organ, and even your hair and nails are made primarily from protein.
During your teenage years, protein becomes especially important because your body is growing rapidly. It helps build new muscle tissue and repairs any damage from exercise or daily activities.
Think of protein as your body's maintenance crew - always working to keep everything in good condition and helping you grow stronger.
Remember: Your body can't store protein like it can fat, so you need to eat it regularly!
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Fibre - Your Digestive System's Best Friend
Fibre might not sound exciting, but it's essential for keeping your digestive system running smoothly. It helps keep your bowel movements soft and regular, preventing uncomfortable constipation.
Fibre works like a gentle brush, cleaning out your intestines as food passes through. This process helps your body absorb nutrients better and removes waste more efficiently.
You'll find fibre in fruits, vegetables, wholemeal bread, and cereals - basically, the foods adults are always telling you to eat more of!
Top Tip: Increase fibre gradually and drink plenty of water to avoid feeling bloated!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Vitamins - Your Body's Helpers
Vitamins are like your body's personal assistants - they help with hundreds of different jobs that keep you healthy and functioning properly. There are several types, including vitamins A, B, C, D, and E.
Each vitamin has specific responsibilities. For example, vitamin C helps heal cuts and bruises whilst also boosting your immune system to fight off colds and infections.
Your body can't make most vitamins on its own, so you need to get them from food or sometimes supplements.
Did You Know: Vitamin D is made in your skin when you're in sunlight - another reason to get outside!
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Minerals - Building Strong Foundations
Minerals are the construction workers of your body, focusing mainly on building strong bones and teeth. They also help control important body fluids like blood and the water inside your cells.
Calcium is probably the most famous mineral - it's what makes your bones and teeth hard and strong. Iron is another crucial one that helps carry oxygen around your body in your blood.
Without enough minerals, your bones could become weak, and you might feel tired or unwell more often.
Fun Fact: Your bones are constantly rebuilding themselves using minerals from your food!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Water - Life's Essential Ingredient
Water is arguably the most important of all the food groups because you literally cannot survive without it. Your body is about 60% water, and it's involved in almost every function.
Water helps maintain your normal body temperature through sweating and breathing. It also lubricates your joints like oil in a machine and helps break down food during digestion.
Even mild dehydration can make you feel tired, give you headaches, and make it harder to concentrate in lessons.
Stay Hydrated: Aim for about 6-8 glasses of water daily, more if you're active or it's hot!
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
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Most popular content: Diet
Most popular content in Food & Nutrition
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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user