The Food Pyramid: Facts and Figures
This food group, located at the base of the Food Pyramid, should make up the largest portion of your diet.
What are grains?
This macronutrient is your body’s primary source of energy, found in foods like bread, pasta, and rice.
What are carbohydrates?
This part of the digestive system is where most nutrient absorption takes place.
What is the small intestine?
This staple food, often eaten in Asia, is made from ground rice and is typically served in small cakes or dumplings.
What is rice?
In the Food Pyramid, this group is represented by foods like chicken, beef, and tofu and should be eaten in small portions.
What are protein foods?
This macronutrient is found in foods like butter and fatty cuts of meat and should be consumed in moderation to avoid health risks.
What are saturated fats?
This digestive organ produces bile, which helps break down fats.
What is the liver?
This food, a main ingredient in many Middle Eastern dishes, is made from ground chickpeas and often served as a dip or spread.
What is hummus?
The Food Pyramid recommends limiting this type of fat, which is commonly found in foods like butter, fried foods, and fatty meats.
What are saturated fats?
This macronutrient provides 4 calories per gram, and is often considered the "building blocks" of muscles and enzymes.
What is protein?
This enzyme, found in saliva, begins the process of breaking down starches in the mouth.
What is amylase?
This South American grain, often used to make soups and stews, is the national food of Ecuador and is considered a superfood.
What is quinoa?
This vitamin, found in fruits and vegetables, is vital for immune function and is often highlighted in the Food Pyramid.
What is vitamin C?
This type of carbohydrate, found in fruits, vegetables, and dairy, is a simple sugar that your body uses for quick energy.
What is glucose?
This type of digestion occurs mechanically when the stomach muscles churn food and chemically when digestive enzymes break it down.
What is mechanical and chemical digestion?
This Filipino dish is made from pork or chicken marinated in soy sauce, vinegar, and spices, and then simmered to perfection.
What is adobo?
The Food Pyramid suggests you consume at least this many servings of fruit every day.
What are 2 to 4 servings?
This is the recommended percentage of total daily calories that should come from carbohydrates, according to dietary guidelines
What is 45-65%?
This part of the digestive system absorbs water and salts from the remaining food matter after nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine.
What is the large intestine (or colon)?
This traditional Ethiopian dish consists of a spongy flatbread called injera, topped with spicy stews and vegetables.
What is injera?